A new investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has detailed how a Nigerian crime syndicate, allegedly led by socialite Nzube Ikeji, defrauded a Romanian businesswoman of more than $2.5 million through an elaborate online romance and advance-fee scam.
According to the investigation, Mr Ikeji posed as a member of Dubai’s royal family, using the name Sheikh Hamdan Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, while his associate, Martins Abhulimhen, impersonated a financial manager under the alias Matthew Cros.
OCCRP reported that the scheme began when Mr Ikeji contacted the victim, identified only as Laura, via LinkedIn. He reportedly expressed interest in supporting humanitarian initiatives in Romania and sought her advice on organisations deserving of financial backing. What started as a professional exchange gradually developed into a personal relationship.
Over time, the interaction allegedly evolved into an online romantic relationship, creating the opening for a romance scam. Mr Ikeji reportedly proposed marriage and persuaded Laura to pay for costs linked to their engagement. He later asked her to travel to London to meet his supposed financial manager to discuss opening a bank account and arranging access to funds.
British police later identified “Matthew Cros” as an alias used by Mr Abhulimhen.
The investigation found that Laura was provided with login details for an online account that appeared to show a balance of about £202 million in her name. Unaware that the account was fake and digitally manipulated, she paid an initial £7,000 to enable withdrawals.
Each attempt to access the funds, however, was met with new demands for fees. According to OCCRP, this pattern continued over an extended period, drawing the victim deeper into the scheme. In total, she reportedly transferred around $2.5 million, believing the funds were genuine.
The operation reportedly began to unravel after disputes emerged among the alleged conspirators over how to share the proceeds. OCCRP said a member of the syndicate eventually contacted Laura and disclosed details of the scam. Mr Abhulimhen later confirmed the information to her.
“He defrauded you of more than 3 million euros,” the victim was reportedly told.
The investigation also claimed that Mr Ikeji and Mr Abhulimhen have social links to several prominent Nigerians. OCCRP reported that they have been photographed with high-profile figures, including senior government officials and well-known business personalities.
OCCRP traced Mr Ikeji to a residence in Abuja and identified his wife as Confidence Ikeji. When presented with the findings, Mr Ikeji declined to comment directly, asking that questions be directed to his legal representatives.
“I would prefer this question you are asking me now, you consult me in the office, or you meet me or meet my legal team,” he said.
As of the time of the report, no official charges had been announced, and the allegations remain the subject of ongoing investigations.
