ATLANTA, GA:  Federal authorities have initiated a multi-agency manhunt for Emuobosan Emanuella Hall, a 45-year-old Nigerian national and permanent resident of Atlanta, after she failed to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons to begin an eight-year sentence for her role in a massive romance fraud scheme.

The Disappearance

Hall was ordered to report to federal custody by March 25, 2026. Investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice revealed that Hall’s electronic monitoring device ceased transmission at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on March 24.

While Hall had previously informed her probation officer of plans to fly to Minnesota to begin her incarceration, airline records indicate she never boarded the flight. Subsequent tracking of her mobile phone suggests she may have traveled to Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., leading investigators to believe she has intentionally absconded.

Criminal Conviction and Fraud Scheme

In January 2026, Hall pleaded guilty to:

• Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud

• Conspiracy to commit money laundering

The charges were the result of a coordinated international operation that targeted vulnerable individuals, primarily older women. Hall and her co-conspirator, Kenneth G. Akpieyi, utilized social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to impersonate high-profile figures, including military officials and philanthropists.

After establishing trust, the duo moved communications to encrypted messaging apps, where they solicited funds for fabricated medical emergencies and charitable causes. Hall admitted to defrauding victims of $851,207 and used a shell company, Le Beau Monde LLC, to launder the proceeds.

"Hall’s failure to report is a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the victims she exploited," stated U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

Current Status and Legal Consequences

Hall’s co-defendant, Akpieyi, was previously convicted and is currently serving a 25-year prison term for his role in the scheme, which resulted in losses exceeding $3.5 million.

Authorities have warned that Hall faces severe additional penalties for her flight from justice, including:

• An additional prison term of up to 10 years (to be served consecutively).

• A fine of up to $250,000.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is leading the search and urges anyone with information regarding Hall's whereabouts to contact their local field office or submit a tip online. The public is advised not to approach the subject if spotted.