Abuja Socialite Named in Explosive $2.5 Million Romance Scam Linked to Fake Dubai Crown Prince

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A prominent Abuja-based socialite and foundation founder, Nzube Henry Ikeji, has been named in an international investigation over allegations that he orchestrated a sophisticated romance scam that defrauded a Romanian businesswoman of more than $2.5 million, while allegedly impersonating Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

The allegations were revealed in a detailed report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which links the 31-year-old Nigerian to a cross-border fraud operation involving fake royal identities, fabricated investment narratives, and prolonged emotional manipulation.

According to the investigation, the victim—identified only as Laura—was first contacted via LinkedIn approximately three years ago by an account posing as the Dubai Crown Prince. The impersonator reportedly sought her professional advice on investing £200 million in humanitarian projects in Romania.

What began as a business discussion allegedly evolved into a deeply personal online relationship. Investigators say the victim was gradually drawn into an emotional bond that included marriage proposals and long-term assurances, while being persuaded to transfer large sums of money to cover supposed administrative fees, customs duties, and access charges tied to fictitious royal investment accounts.

Over a two-year period, the victim allegedly wired more than $2.5 million (approximately £2 million).

Financial tracking by London’s Metropolitan Police reportedly traced portions of the funds to accounts in Nigeria connected to Ikeji and an alleged accomplice, Dr. Martins Abhulimhen, a 60-year-old man accused of posing as “Dr. Matthew Croos,” the supposed London-based financial manager to the fake prince.

The scheme reportedly began to collapse following disputes among the alleged conspirators over sharing the proceeds. Investigators say one insider leaked Ikeji’s identity and other incriminating materials—including videos and images of a luxury property in Abuja—to the victim.

OCCRP journalists further linked the online persona to real-world activity by analyzing social media posts showing a lavish lifestyle, including luxury vehicles, upscale residences, foreign travel, and appearances with Nigerian celebrities and business figures.

When contacted, Ikeji denied the allegations, stating that any funds received were legitimate donations to his Nzube Ikeji Foundation, which he says provides humanitarian assistance and food aid. He acknowledged knowing Abhulimhen but rejected claims of fraud or impersonation.

A UK court has already seized £113,000 from Abhulimhen’s accounts as potential restitution for the victim. Authorities in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and Romania have confirmed that investigations are ongoing. As of the time of reporting, no formal criminal charges have been announced against Ikeji.

Ikeji holds several traditional titles, including Sarkin Gabas Matasan of Nasarawa and Ojichukwu Ndi Igbo na Southeast, conferred in 2024. He has cultivated a public profile as a philanthropist and influencer with links to political, entertainment, and business circles.

The case has sparked intense debate online, highlighting the growing sophistication of international romance fraud, where perpetrators exploit professional networks, impersonate high-profile figures, and combine philanthropy narratives with emotional coercion.

As investigations continue, the unfolding case underscores renewed concerns over cybercrime, identity theft, and transnational financial fraud involving social media platforms.