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Once a Lagos socialite and media mogul, Goddy Anabor was the man everyone wanted to know. As the publisher of Hearts Magazine, he was a household name, known for his extravagant lifestyle, generosity, and deep pockets. Musicians, socialites, and high-profile figures sought his company, and he never hesitated to spend lavishly.

But today, Goddy is a far cry from the man he once was. Now rumored to be working as a taxi driver in Lagos, his story has become a striking example of "grace to grass."

The Source of His Wealth

It is widely believed that Goddy made his fortune through 419 fraud, what we now call Yahoo Yahoo. When confronted about his financial dealings, he once justified them by saying he was simply taking back what had been stolen from his ancestors.

Regardless of how he made his money, he invested wisely—at first. His business empire included:

• Hearts Magazine – A romance and lifestyle publication that rivaled Hints Magazine. Many Nigerians of that era credit both magazines as their first introduction to relationships and sex education.
• A thriving color printing business – He handled printing contracts for major Nigerian newspapers like ThisDay and Punch.
• A security company – One of the pioneers of private security services in Lagos.
• Real estate – He reportedly owned over 100 properties across Lagos, making him a significant player in the housing market.

A Life of Excess

Goddy wasn’t just rich—he was obscenely wealthy. At one point, he allegedly had ₦3 billion deposited at Equity Bank in 1990. Adjusted for inflation, that would be worth over ₦70 billion today.

He threw extravagant parties that even foreign ambassadors stationed in Nigeria attended. Women adored him, and he was famous for his generosity toward them. Stories circulated about how he would house his girlfriends in luxury hotels for months on end, sometimes not even visiting them because he had so many others to entertain.

One of his biggest expenses was The Sheraton Hotel, where he was a VIP customer. He once cleared a bill of ₦86 million for his guests. He even maintained a permanent room there, accruing daily charges in the 1990s—a time when the dollar exchanged at ₦86 per $1.

At parties, he would spend money recklessly, sometimes dropping ₦1 million in one night just for entertainment. He had a taste for luxury cars and was always among the first Nigerians to own the latest Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and SUVs. His garage reportedly held 59 exotic cars.

The Fall

Despite his immense wealth, Goddy Anabor lost everything. His businesses collapsed, his friends abandoned him, and even the many men he had lifted out of poverty turned their backs on him.

The turning point? Drug addiction and mismanagement.

To sustain his habit, he began selling off his prized properties at ridiculously low prices. Many of his so-called friends knew he was broke and took advantage, purchasing his assets for far below their market value.

His wife, Anthonia, once the life of the party, fled to the UK with their children when the money dried up. She allegedly conspired with his business managers to drain his accounts before leaving.

Today, at 62 years old, Goddy is a shadow of himself. His lavish lifestyle is just a memory, and his only known benefactor, Mike Biggy, supports him out of goodwill.

From owning mansions in Ikeja GRA and Allen Avenue to relying on handouts, his story serves as a warning: Wealth without discipline is temporary.