Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna denies $75,000 romance scam

Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has publicly denied widespread online rumors alleging he is under investigation by Nigerian and U.S. authorities over a $75,000 romance scam. The actor issued a detailed rebuttal on his verified social media accounts on July 11 and 12, 2026, calling the reports false, malicious, and baseless.

The rumors claimed that a 49-year-old American citizen, identified in some reports as Kimberly Ann, had filed a complaint alleging she was defrauded by someone impersonating Ogbonna in an online relationship that reportedly began in 2025. This prompted speculation of a joint inquiry by Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

In his statement, Ogbonna categorically rejected any involvement. He stated he has never participated in internet fraud or romance scams and has never authorized anyone to solicit money on his behalf. The actor attributed the allegations to unknown individuals who have created fake social media accounts using his name and image to deceive the public. He urged his fans and the public to rely only on his official, verified accounts, which carry the blue checkmark...