A dramatic scene unfolded in a US courtroom as Ghanaian socialite, Hajia4Reall, burst into tears upon receiving a one-year and one-day prison sentence for her role in a romance fraud scheme.
The emotional moment came as the judge delivered the verdict, bringing an end to a case that has captivated attention in both the US and Ghana. Hajia4Reall’s legal team had argued for a shorter sentence, citing her status as a single mother and her lack of prior criminal record.
However, the prosecution pushed for a lengthier term, emphasizing the need for deterrence and the severity of her crimes. The court heard how Hajia4Reall had reinvented herself in Ghana, hiding her involvement in the scheme that defrauded vulnerable senior citizens of $1.4 million.
As the judge announced the sentence, Hajia4Reall’s composure cracked, and she sobbed uncontrollably, expressing shame and remorse for her actions.
The courtroom was filled with emotion as she begged for mercy, stating, “I want to pay them back. I feel shame as a mother of an 8 year-old daughter. [Sobs] Please have mercy on me”
The judge ultimately showed leniency, allowing Hajia4Reall to serve her sentence in a low-security prison and granting her request to return to Ghana immediately upon release. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of fraud and the importance of accountability.
