Now this is a scam which makes no bones about its illegality. It begins:

I apologize for disturbing you but if I can have your attention, we will make a fortune out of this.

I have US$12.5 million dollars that my former Director pulled from our Local Government Council crude oil allocation fund last month for his personal use. The Director was removed by President Goodluck Jonathan two weeks ago before he could perfect his plan.

I like that. “My former boss was a corrupt crook and our new President twigged to it and fired him before he could steal any more money.”

And then:

However, the said amount is now in the Council’s off-shore account overseas. I am now the Acting Director and I have the opportunity to transfer the money to your bank account as if we are purchasing refuse disposal trucks through you as our agent.

How did he know I have hundreds of garbage trucks in inventory, just waiting for a purchase order from Nigeria?

He goes on:

I have done such thing before with my friend Mr. Alex Eni but unfortunately he could not withdraw the money when it entered his account due to the fact that he gave me a dormant account and we needed to undergo so many protocols before we could draw this money.

I noticed the problem and quickly recalled the transfer. I have made several efforts to get in-touch with Alex for the past one week but all in vain and that is why I have contacted you for assistance. As soon as I have your attention, I will give you details and also discuss the sharing.

You really should pick smarter friends. If he gave you the number of a dormant account he’s not very bright. You’re not very loyal to your friends, either. You’ve only tried to find him for a week?

Dollars to donuts Alex is in the local lockup, and he’s probably singing to the authorities. Mr. Odili, I’d leave town ASAP were I in your shoes.