A scam way way way off topic

["Robert Bolman" <robtb@efn.org>]

Well, Hello There Everybody,

I'm posting this to the strawbale list because it's where I most expect to
find friendly, intelligent, interested people.

I've recieved several things like the following.  What's the scam here?  Can
someone please explain this to me?

Thanks,
Rob

I am sorry for the embarrassment, this my letter might cause you as well we
have not had any correspondence before this letter.  I got your email
address
from a reliable source.  I carried out an extensive search and enquiry
through
the Nigeria chambers of commerce and also the Nigeria export promotion
council
after the extensive search and enquiry, your address was given to me with a
very high recommendations by the two earlier mentioned establishments.
Although I did not disclose my major intentions because of it’s top level
confidential nature.  I only told them that I was in search of  plastic
processing company, which I want to invest in .  I really want to invest in
plastic processing industry since it is a very lucrative business.  My major
motive is to invest in your country through a reliable and trustworthy
foreigner.

I am DR MRS MARIAM ABACHA,wife of the late Nigeria Hand of State, General
Sanni Abacha who died on the 8th of june, 1998 while still on active duct I
am
contacting you in view of the fact that we will be of great help to each
other
and also develop a cordial business relationship.  I currently have within
my
reach the sum of Fifty- five Million US Dollars$55,000,000.00)cash which I
intend to use for investment like  Real Estate Development in your country.
This money came as a payback contract deal between my late husband and a
Russian firm on our countries multi-billion dollars Ajaokuta Street Plant.
The Russian partners returned my husband’s shares of US$55,000,000.00 after
the died of my husband I lodged it in my husband’s security company of which
I
am the director right now, the new Civilian Government have intensified
their
probe on my husband’s financial and oil company. In view of these, I acted
fact to withdraw the US$55,000,000.00 from the company’s vault and deposited
as family treasure in a Security Company for safe custody.  I have since
declared the security Company bankrupt.  No record ever existed concerning
the
money traceable by the Government because there is no documentation showing
that we received money from the Russian Due to the current situation in the
country concerning the Government attitude towards my family, it has become
quite impossible for me to make use of the money within, thus consent I
shall
expect you to contact me urgently to enable us discuss in detail about this
transaction.  Bearing in mind that your assistance is needed to transfer
this
fund,  I proposed a percentage of 30% of the total sum to you for the
expected
service and assistance, 5% for offsetting minor expenses incurred in the
course of this transaction. 5% as been mapped out for charity purposes
Your urgent response is highly needed as to stop further contacts. All
correspondence must be by the email address above and this my Telephone
number: 234-1-4529471 my Fax is 234- 1-7592089 where you can contact me when
I
hear from you.  I must use this opportunity to implore you to exercise the
utmost indulgence to keep this matter extraordinarily confidential whatever
your decision while await your prompt response.
May the Almighty Allah bless you?
Best regards,
Dr Mrs Mariam Abacha.
NOTE: Because of the security being mounted on the members of my family, I
have decided that this transaction exist between you and my Nephew mr SANUSI
JOSEPH.  Remember to include your telephone and fax number.