Investigation Exposes Nigerian Socialite’s $2.5m Romance Scam Posing as Dubai Royal

An international investigation has uncovered how a Nigerian socialite allegedly orchestrated an elaborate online romance scam that cost a Romanian businesswoman more than $2.5 million.

The probe, conducted and published by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), details how Nzube Ikeji allegedly posed as a member of Dubai’s royal family to deceive his victim over an extended period.

According to the findings, Ikeji assumed the identity of “Sheikh Hamdan Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” presenting himself as a wealthy prince interested in funding humanitarian projects in Romania. He reportedly initiated contact with the victim, identified only as Laura, through LinkedIn, under the guise of philanthropy and business collaboration.

Investigators say the professional exchanges gradually evolved into a personal relationship, eventually becoming a romantic one. This shift allegedly allowed the suspects to introduce financial requests, including costs linked to a proposed engagement and business arrangements.

As part of the scheme, Laura was persuaded to travel to London to meet a supposed financial manager, later identified by British authorities as Martins Abhulimhen, who used the alias “Matthew Cros.” She was reportedly shown access to an online bank account reflecting a balance of about £202 million, which investigators say was entirely fabricated.

Believing the funds were genuine, the victim made repeated payments to cover “processing” and “withdrawal” fees. OCCRP estimates that these transfers totalled more than $2.5 million. The scam eventually collapsed after disagreements erupted within the syndicate over sharing the proceeds, leading one conspirator to alert the victim.

The investigation further revealed that the suspects maintained visible ties with prominent figures in Nigeria’s social and political circles, often appearing in high-profile photographs. When confronted with the findings, Ikeji reportedly declined to comment directly, stating that any questions should be addressed to his legal representatives.