On January 6, 2026, the Nigeria Police Force arrested 20-year-old Lagos resident Essien Emmanuel Akpama for facilitating romance scams against American elders. The arrest occured while Akpama attempted to board a flight out of Lagos.
- In a major 2024 case, Akpama stole $1 million from a 47-year-old by claiming the money was intended to purchase property in Florida for use as an orphanage.
-
- The transaction was facilitated through “BullRun 2.0,” a cryptocurrency investment platform formerly known as “4 Way Mirror Money.”
- Akpama also stole $18,000 from a 70-year-old with gift card payments.
- Akpama also fraudulently posed as a 60-year-old orthopaedic surgeon working with the United Nations.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/airport-police-nab-alleged-romance-scammer-linked-to-n1bn-fraud/