IK Ogbonna has denied online rumours claiming he is being interrogated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) over an alleged $75,000 romance scam.
The rumours claimed that a 49-year-old American citizen had
filed a complaint against the Nollywood actor, prompting a joint investigation
by both agencies.
But in a recent Facebook post, Ogbonna rejected the claims,
describing them as “false, baseless, and malicious”.
He suggested that unknown individuals operating fake
accounts in his name were behind the deception.
“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 wrote.
“This report is completely false, malicious, and without 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 reiterated that he has never participated in
internet fraud or romance scams, nor has he ever authorised anyone to solicit
money on his behalf.
He urged the public to rely only on his verified social
media accounts, which carry 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 added.
“I have never authorised anyone to represent me online,
solicit money on my behalf, or engage in private conversations pretending to be
me.
“All of my official social media accounts are VERIFIED. If
an account claiming to be me isn’t verified, it’s not legitimate. I do not
operate secret, backup, or private accounts to communicate with fans.
“If you are chatting with, sending money to, or engaging
with anyone claiming to be me on social media, please know that it is NOT me. I
do not privately entertain fans in that capacity, nor do I request financial
assistance, gifts, investments, or any form of payment from anyone.
“Please remain vigilant and be extremely careful of
impersonators and catfish accounts that exploit my identity to scam
unsuspecting people.
“I sincerely appreciate everyone who takes the time to
verify information before believing or sharing it. Together, we can help curb
the spread of fake news and protect innocent people from online fraud.
“Thank you for your continued love, trust, and support.”
This is not the first time the actor has faced impersonation
issues.
In 2023, police arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly
posing as Ogbonna to defraud an American woman of $70,000.
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