High-Profile Nigerians Impersonated Dubai Royalty in $2.5 Million Romance Scam
An investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has exposed how two well-connected Nigerians allegedly impersonated a Dubai prince and his financial manager to defraud a Romanian businesswoman of more than $2.5 million in a sophisticated romance and investment scheme that spanned three countries over nearly two years.
The investigation, released in February 2024, identified Nzube Henry Ikeji, 31, founder of the Nzube Ikeji Foundation, as the alleged fake prince, while 60-year-old Dr. Martins Abhulimhen, founder of the Jose Foundation, allegedly posed as the royal financial manager under the alias Dr. Mathew Croos.
Background and Context
Romance fraud schemes have become increasingly sophisticated, with criminals leveraging social media platforms to establish credibility before exploiting emotional connections for financial gain. According to OCCRP's investigation, this particular operation began through LinkedIn, a platform often seen as more professional than typical dating apps, lending additional credibility to the initial approach.
The scammers targeted a Romanian businesswoman, identified only as Laura, by appealing to both her humanitarian interests and personal relationships. By combining fake investment opportunities with romantic manipulation, the perpetrators created multiple psychological pressure points that made the victim more likely to transfer substantial funds.
Key Figures and Entities
Nzube Henry Ikeji, according to OCCRP, constructed an elaborate royal persona, claiming to be a Dubai prince interested in investing ÂŁ200 million in humanitarian projects in Romania. His legitimate-looking foundation, the Nzube Ikeji Foundation, likely provided additional credibility to his claims of philanthropic interests.
Dr. Martins Abhulimhen allegedly served as the operation's financial validator, creating the impression of legitimate financial management through his role as founder of the Jose Foundation and during an in-person meeting with the victim in London, where he introduced himself as Dr. Mathew Croos.
Both men maintained extensive high-profile social connections, documented through photographs with influential Nigerian figures including Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, 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. These associations, along with connections to business personalities like Obi Cubana and Arthur Eze, helped reinforce their credibility.
Legal and Financial Mechanisms
According to the investigation, the scheme followed a carefully orchestrated timeline. After establishing contact on LinkedIn, Ikeji transitioned from discussing business investments to romantic pursuits, eventually proposing marriage and requesting payment for traditional marriage customs. This combination of business and emotional manipulation created multiple justifications for fund transfers.
The operation included an in-person meeting in London where Abhulimhen, under his alias, provided apparent legitimacy to the financial aspects of the scheme. Over the course of the relationship, Laura wired more than $2.5 million, which London Metropolitan Police traced to Abhulimhen's UK accounts and Ikeji's Nigerian accounts.
OCCRP investigators noted how digital traces from LinkedIn communications led them to what they described as a "brand new mansion in Abuja," suggesting the fraud proceeds were funding a luxury lifestyle. The sophisticated nature of the scam—complete with fake identities, staged meetings, and emotional manipulation—demonstrates how organized criminal networks have professionalized romance fraud operations.
International Implications and Policy Response
The case highlights significant challenges in combating transnational romance fraud networks that exploit both technological platforms and psychological manipulation techniques. The cross-border nature of the scheme—with perpetrators in Nigeria, financial transactions through the UK, and a victim in Romania—underscores the coordination difficulties faced by law enforcement agencies.
The use of professional networking sites like LinkedIn for initial contact represents an evolution in romance fraud tactics, potentially catching victims off guard who associate such platforms with legitimate business networking rather than romantic or financial scams. This development may require platform-specific interventions and user education initiatives.
The revelations have renewed attention on the need for improved international cooperation mechanisms for tracking and recovering funds transferred across multiple jurisdictions. Additionally, the case raises questions about due diligence procedures that might prevent criminals from using charitable foundations and other ostensibly legitimate entities to lend credibility to fraudulent operations.
Sources
This report draws on the investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, findings from the London Metropolitan Police, and corporate registry information regarding the foundations mentioned. Information about the suspects' public appearances was documented through publicly available photographs and social media posts.
