A stunning investigation has exposed how Nigerian socialite Nzube Henry Ikeji allegedly posed as Dubai’s Crown Prince to defraud a Romanian businesswoman of over $2.5 million in an elaborate romance scam spanning nearly two years.
The flamboyant 31-year-old Abuja-based fraudster, who mingles with Nigeria’s political and entertainment elite, including real estate mogul Obi Cubana and Grammy-nominated artist Davido, allegedly perfected a royal impersonation complete with fake advisers.
The Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project traced the scheme to a brand-new mansion in Abuja after a betrayed co-conspirator exposed Ikeji’s identity and shared videos of his lavish property. His Instagram flaunted luxury cars, including a Lexus 570 and 2020 Range Rover Vogue, designer Hublot watches, exotic vacations, and business-class flights—earning him the nickname “Access Money”.
A second suspect, 60-year-old Dr Martins Abhulimhen, founder of the Jose Foundation, allegedly played the role of the prince’s financial manager, meeting the victim in London under the false identity “Matthew Cros”. Both men have been photographed with powerful figures, including Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The Romanian victim, identified only as Laura, believed she was helping invest £200 million in humanitarian projects and even received a marriage proposal. The Nigerian government has confirmed investigations are underway, though neither suspect has been formally charged.
This is how a Yahoo boy catfishing as a Dubai Prince was tracked to his house in Nigeria, his everyday moves, meeting Davido and all. He scammed a woman of $2.5m and started living large.
— BASITO (@itzbasito) February 4, 2026
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