Popular Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has rejected online rumors that he is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for an alleged $75,000 romance scam.
Rumours circulated that a 49-year-old American citizen had filed a complaint against the Nollywood star, sparking a joint inquiry by both agencies.
However, in a recent Facebook post, Ogbonna disputed the allegations, calling them “false, baseless, and malicious”.
He stated that the fraud was carried out by unknown individuals using his name to open bogus accounts.
“My attention has been drawn to a false story currently circulating online alleging that I have been invited for questioning by the EFCC and FBI over a romance scam,” he said.
“This report is entirely untrue, malicious, and lacks any factual basis.
“Unfortunately, this is not the first time my name, image, and identity have been used by unknown individuals operating fake social media accounts to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.”
The actor maintained that he has never engaged in cyber fraud or romantic scams, nor has he authorized anyone to seek funds in his name.
He asked the people to exclusively use his verified social media profiles, which display the official blue checkmark.
“I would like to use this opportunity to state once again that I do not support, encourage, or participate in any form of internet fraud, romance scams, or any other fraudulent activity,” he said.
“I have never authorized anyone to represent me online, solicit money on my behalf, or engage in private chats claiming to be me.
“All of my official social media accounts are verified. If an account claiming to be mine is unverified, it is not legitimate. I don’t use hidden, backup, or private accounts to communicate with fans.
“If you are chatting, giving money to, or connecting with someone pretending to be me on social media, please be aware that it is not me. I do not personally entertain fans in that capacity, nor do I solicit financial help, gifts, investments, or other forms of payment from anyone.
“Please remain watchful and be wary of impersonators and catfish accounts that use my identity to defraud unsuspecting individuals.
“I truly thank everyone who takes the time to check facts before believing or sharing it. Together, we can work to reduce the spread of bogus news and safeguard innocent people from online fraud.
“Thank you for your continued love, trust, and support.”
This isn’t the actor’s first time dealing with impersonation troubles.
In 2023, authorities arrested a 23-year-old guy for allegedly impersonating Ogbonna and defrauding an American woman of $70,000.
