NEWS
Henry Ikeji Faces the EFCC Amid $2.5 Million Global Scandal ABUJA
The tension surrounding the Zube Sunstar Group reached a new peak this week as its Chairman, Henry Nzubechukwu Ikeji, officially honored an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
What began as a digital investigation by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has now moved into the hallowed halls of Nigeria’s premier anti-graft agency, transforming a media firestorm into a high-stakes legal showdown.
The EFCC Visit: A Push for Transparency?
Ikeji’s appearance at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja marks a pivotal moment in this saga. Rather than evading the spotlight, the philanthropist is leaning into the investigation, framing the visit as an opportunity to debunk the “phantom” claims of a $2.5 million romance scam.
His legal team maintains that the visit was a voluntary step to demonstrate his “law-abiding nature” and to provide evidence that his financial dealings are rooted in legitimate humanitarian and environmental projects, not international fraud.
The “Shadow” Partner: Business or Betrayal?
The core of the dispute remains the fractured relationship between Ikeji and Dr. Martins Abhulimhen. While the OCCRP paints them as partners in a “Royal Ruse,” Ikeji describes a much darker corporate reality:
The Project: A high-level licensing venture with the Federal Ministry of Environment.
The Fallout: Ikeji alleges that Abhulimhen, acting as an intermediary, attempted to “hijack” the project and turned to blackmail when his efforts were resisted.
The Identity Gap: While investigators link Ikeji to a “Dubai Prince” persona, Ikeji counters with a verifiable travel history that shows he has never set foot in the United Arab Emirates.
A Reputation Under Siege
For a man used to being seen alongside senior government officials and industry titans, the visibility has become a double-edged sword. Ikeji’s camp claims the OCCRP report has been weaponized by business rivals to spark “cyberstalking” and threats against his family.
