Irishman admitted in psychiatric unit after losing money to Nigerian scammers

It was gathered that an Irishman had to be admitted into a psychiatric unit for a month after losing his life savings to Nigerian scam artists.

According to reports from the Irish Mirror, a man identified as Stephen Wallace, almost went crazy after losing all his life savings.

Wallace who was looking for love online had reportedly been dealing with some men discovered to be scammers 'yahoo boys' from Nigeria.

The 42-year-old bachelor had encountered the boys who promised to 'send him the love of his life' after he must have sent them money.


Wallace almost went crazy after losing his life savings to Nigerian scammers


Wallace eventually spent all his life savings, causing his bank (Bank of Ireland, Clifden) to put a 'stay' on his account, causing him to have a meltdown.

He was said to have gone to the bank armed with a kitchen knife, a baton and a hammer, with which he threatened to inflict serious injury on the staff.

Wallace was arrested and taken away to a psychiatric unit where he was held for one month.

His banker, Garda Alan Murphy, confirmed he was unstable before he was taken away:

“He started lashing out, he was kicking and punching. He had to be arrested for his own safety.”

Wallace's lawyer, JJ Mannion, claimed his client was not really sound, he said “He’s believed to be on the autistic spectrum.”


Judge Fahy who presided over the case between Wallace and the bank, said:

“It is so sad and just unbelievable. You’re looking at a huge amount of money [that] he handed over to somebody in Nigeria.”

Garda Murphy said Wallace was still living with faith and “truly believed somebody would come over.”

Judge Fahy then turned to Wallace and said “I’m telling you now that person is not going to come and you’re going to stop putting money into that account. Would you agree to do that?” to which he replied “I will yes.”

Na wa o!