LAGOS — A high-society scandal has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s elite circles following the exposure of Nzube Henry Ikeji, a 31-year-old self-proclaimed billionaire, for allegedly orchestrating a massive international fraud.
An investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) revealed that Ikeji, founder of the Nzube Ikeji Foundation, successfully impersonated the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, to defraud a Romanian businesswoman of over $2.5 million.
The Royal Ruse
The scheme began on LinkedIn three years ago, when Ikeji—posing as the Emirati royal—contacted the victim, identified only as Laura. Under the guise of seeking advice on Romanian humanitarian investments, the professional dialogue quickly transitioned into a groomed romantic relationship.
To cement the deception, Ikeji allegedly:
- Proposed marriage, claiming the victim was to become a royal consort.
- Extorted “Marriage Rites” funds, convincing Laura to wire millions to satisfy fabricated “royal customs” and traditional ceremonies.
- Used an Accomplice: Ikeji directed the victim to London to meet his supposed financial manager, “Dr. Matthew Cros.” British police have since identified “Cros” as Dr. Martins Abhulimhen, 60, another well-connected Nigerian philanthropist and founder of the Jose Foundation.
High-Profile Connections
What has stirred public outcry is the duo’s proximity to power. Both Ikeji and Abhulimhen have been frequently pictured with top-tier Nigerian figures, including prominent politicians, monarchs, and entertainment moguls.
The London Metropolitan Police and international investigators traced the $2.5 million flow directly into UK accounts linked to Abhulimhen and Nigerian accounts belonging to Ikeji. While the suspects have long enjoyed a reputation for “philanthropy,” authorities now believe these foundations served as a veneer for laundering the proceeds of romance scams.
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