An investigation conducted by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has brought to light the identities of two influential Nigerians who allegedly deceived a Romanian businesswoman into losing over $2.5 million by posing as a Dubai prince and his financial advisor in an intricate romance and investment scam.
The findings, published in February, name Nzube Henry Ikeji, 31, the founder of the Nzube Ikeji Foundation, as the individual who impersonated the Dubai prince, while 60-year-old Dr. Martins Abhulimhen, founder of the Jose Foundation, is accused of serving as the prince’s financial manager. According to OCCRP, this elaborate scheme transpired over approximately two years, initiated on LinkedIn and spanning Nigeria, the UK, and Romania.
OCCRP’s report indicates that Ikeji, masquerading as royalty, reached out to the Romanian victim, referred to as Laura, under the pretense of wanting to invest in humanitarian initiatives in her country. What started as a legitimate business inquiry quickly escalated into an online romance, during which the impersonator proposed marriage and persuaded her to fund their engagement, citing customary reasons.
The investigation detailed that the supposed prince later instructed Laura to meet his financial advisor in London. During this meeting, Abhulimhen reportedly introduced himself using the alias Dr. Mathew Croos, further strengthening the facade surrounding the fraudulent royal setup.
Throughout the course of their relationship, Laura transferred more than $2.5 million to the fraudsters. It was revealed by the London Metropolitan Police that the funds were traced back to Abhulimhen’s accounts in the UK and Ikeji's accounts in Nigeria.
In addition to the fraud allegations, OCCRP highlighted that both Ikeji and Abhulimhen enjoyed notable public acclaim and had extensive social networks. They have been photographed alongside influential individuals in Nigeria and internationally, including Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and his spouse, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
The report further noted that they associated with prominent social and business figures such as Cubana Chief, Obi Cubana, and Arthur Eze, which contributed to their perceived legitimacy within their fraudulent operations.
OCCRP also mentioned a digital trail originating from LinkedIn messages that led detectives to expose a lavish mansion in Abuja, suggesting that the imposters maintained a lifestyle funded by their scam activities.
The OCCRP remarked, "A Romanian businesswoman believed she was aiding Dubai’s Crown Prince in investing £200 million in a humanitarian venture, only to find she had sent $2.5 million to a Nigerian fraudster who had spent years honing his portrayal of royalty."
The organization explained that the fraud scheme relied on meticulously crafted identities, fictitious advisors, and emotional manipulation to build trust with the victim for an extended period, allowing significant sums of money to be extracted.
These revelations have sparked renewed interest in global romance fraud rings and the role of social media platforms in enabling high-stakes scams that traverse borders and exploit personal connections under the guise of investment and charitable endeavors.
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