An international investigation has uncovered how a Nigerian socialite allegedly posed as a member of Dubai’s royal family to deceive a European woman into a long-running online relationship that ended in massive financial loss.
According to findings published by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), the man at the centre of the case, Nzube Henry Ikeji, is accused of impersonating Dubai’s crown prince, Sheikh Hamdan Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to defraud a Romanian woman of an estimated $2.5 million.
Investigators say Ikeji allegedly used fake identities, staged communications, and a network of accomplices to sustain the deception over several years, targeting women seeking emotional connection and trust online.
How the contact began
The victim, identified only as Laura, said the relationship started when she was contacted on LinkedIn by an account claiming to belong to the Dubai crown prince. The profile, she said, appeared polished and professional, presenting the supposed royal as someone interested in humanitarian causes and international development.
At first, the exchanges were formal. Laura, who is based in Romania, was asked for advice on charitable organisations in her country that could benefit from investment. Over time, however, the conversations became more personal, gradually evolving into what she believed was a genuine romantic relationship.
By her account, the communication continued for years, marked by frequent messages, emotional bonding, and assurances of trust. At no point, she said, did she suspect she was not speaking to a real member of the Emirati royal family.
A staged financial arrangement
As the relationship deepened, the man posing as the crown prince introduced Laura to someone he described as his financial manager. She was asked to travel to London to meet him and discuss financial arrangements connected to investments and a proposed bank account in her name.
Laura agreed and travelled to the UK, where she met a man calling himself Matthew Cros. She later learned that the name was fictitious and that the individual was allegedly Martins Abhulimhen, another Nigerian socialite with a public profile.
Unbeknownst to the man she met, Laura brought along a friend who discreetly photographed the meetings. British authorities would later identify Abhulimhen as someone who had previously operated a charitable organisation and had been photographed at public events with high-profile Nigerian figures such as Godswill Akpabio and Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Investigators noted that the financial manager persona was carefully constructed to reinforce the illusion of royal wealth and legitimacy.
The illusion of wealth
Following the London meetings, Laura was given login details to an online account that appeared to show a balance of about £202 million registered in her name. The account, investigators say, was entirely fabricated, designed to look authentic but containing no real funds.
She was told that before any withdrawal could be made, she needed to pay certain “processing” and “access” fees. One of the first payments requested was £7,000, described as a requirement to unlock the funds allegedly deposited by the crown prince.
Believing the account to be genuine and reassured by the long-standing relationship, Laura made the payments. Over time, the requests continued, escalating into a series of transfers that investigators estimate eventually totalled around $2.5 million.
A wider network and public image
OCCRP reports suggest the scheme was not a one-off operation but part of a broader network that targeted women abroad through carefully curated online identities. The investigation alleges that Ikeji maintained a glamorous public image in Nigeria, socialising with celebrities and business figures, including nightlife and entertainment personalities such as Davido and entrepreneur Obi Cubana.
Investigators say this public visibility may have helped build credibility and reduce suspicion, even though those individuals are not accused of any involvement in the alleged fraud.
When doubts emerged
Laura said her suspicions began only after repeated delays and additional demands made it impossible to access the supposed funds. Independent checks later revealed inconsistencies in the banking setup and communication patterns.
Law enforcement agencies in Europe and the UK were alerted, and evidence including photographs, digital correspondence, and account records was reviewed as part of the investigation. While the case remains complex and ongoing, the findings have renewed warnings about sophisticated romance scams that blend emotional manipulation with financial deception.
A cautionary tale
Cybercrime experts say the case highlights how modern romance scams have evolved beyond simple fake profiles. By combining professional networking platforms, impersonation of public figures, and in-person meetings, fraudsters are able to sustain deceptions for years.
Authorities continue to urge internet users to verify identities independently, avoid sending money based on online relationships, and be cautious of any investment or financial opportunity tied to personal connections formed online.
As investigations continue, the case stands as a reminder that even convincing displays of wealth, influence, and affection can be carefully staged — and that online trust, once abused, can come at a devastating cost.