Complaint Review: ASSURANCE BANK NIGERIA LIMITED

I got a e-mail back on November 9th 2005 from Mr.Chukwudi Essell a Manager in the Department of accounts division, Assurance Bank Limited, Marina branch Lagos-Nigeria. He stated that on December 30th 2002 Mr. Larry Blackwell made a numbered time (Fixed) Deposit, for twelve calendar months in his Bank branch that came to a sum of US$9.5Million.

Finally they discovered from his contract employers he was aboard the, Boeing 727 Beirut-bound charter Jet which crashed on takeoff on December 25th 2003.

After further inquest, it was discovered that he died without making a WILL and all attempts to trace his next of kin proved futile. On further inquisition, it was discovered that Late Mr. Larry did not declare any next of kin or relations in all his official documents, including his Bank. Mr. Essell stated that he shall present me as a foreigner to stand in, as the Next of kin to this gentleman, since we have the same last name with the deceased, so that the proceeds of this account can be paid to me. Mr Essell goes on to state that the money will be shared in the ratio: Fifty percent for him, Forty Five percent for me and five percent for any arising contingencies during the course of this transaction. Essell gives his phone number his e-mail (chukwudiessel@excite.com) and states he needs my full name, address, Date of Birth, contact Telephone and fax numbers.

Over the next 7 e-mails I receive a application letter to send back to him and one e-mail from from Dr. Elvis Isikong with the bank stating that they need:
(1) Sworn Affidavit of Claim
(2) Letter of Administration
(3) Copy of your national identification/Driving license and
(4) Death Certificate of the deceased

This is when it all comes out when I send a e-mail to MR Essell asking about this. Essell stated he has negotiated with an Attorney there: Firm name: Ivory Chambers, Address: No 24 Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island, Lagos-Nigeria, Contact Person: Barrister David Worth, Email: worthchambers@yahoo.com
I never receive anything back from this attorney and could not find this attorney after a search online.

Then Mr Essell getting sloppy sends me a e-mail intended for someone else. I do more research online to find that there is a Mr.Chukwudi Essell that works at the bank, it doesn't state what branch. I e-mail back Mr Essells mistake to him. Essell e-mails back with a copy of his passport and states that the money will be transfered to my account soon and that this is all the real thing and adds something about I need to send the attorney payment and power of attorney that the attorney has requested. Theres more when i receive a e-mail intended for someone else. The last E-mail dated 02/20/06 said: you will have no problem with me calling you at the bank is this correct???

I have nevered heard from him since.

Steven
Houston, Texas
U.S.A.