Nzube Henry Ikeji posed as Dubai crown prince to defraud a Romanian woman of $2.5m, authorities investigate his luxury lifestyle in Nigeria
Nigerian socialite Nzube Henry Ikeji allegedly posed as the crown prince of Dubai to defraud a Romanian woman of $2.5 million, according to investigations by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).
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Ikeji, who mingles with Nigeria’s elite including real estate mogul Obi Cubana and Grammy-nominated singer Davido, reportedly led a syndicate targeting vulnerable women overseas through online romance scams.
The victim, identified only as Laura, said she was first contacted by the supposed crown prince on LinkedIn three years ago.
The professional conversation quickly developed into a romantic relationship, with Ikeji posing as Sheikh Hamdan Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum requesting her to meet a financial manager in London.
The man, identified as Martins Abhulimhen, allegedly posed as the prince’s financial aide and arranged meetings with Ms Laura.
She was subsequently given login credentials to a fraudulent account showing £202 million, with instructions to deposit funds to access the money.
Over time, she reportedly wired about £2.5 million, believing she could withdraw the funds.
British police later confirmed that Abhulimhen’s identity was fake, and the account had no real money.
He allegedly confessed to using deception and African “magic” to maintain the illusion.
OCCRP traced Ikeji to his Abuja mansion using social media photos and documented his luxurious lifestyle, including multiple properties, high-end vehicles, and designer shopping sprees.
Ikeji has denied wrongdoing, claiming that all funds transferred through Abhulimhen’s account were charitable donations to his foundation.
Abhulimhen resigned from his NGO, the Jose Foundation, and has not responded to investigative inquiries.
A UK court has already seized £113,000 from Abhulimhen’s account for restitution to Ms Laura, while Nigerian authorities have confirmed ongoing investigations.
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Neither Ikeji nor Abhulimhen has yet been formally charged.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
