This takes the cream as far as scams go. What is believed to be the most inventive e-mail scam of all time is now hitting countless e-mail boxes, telling the story of a Nigerian astronaut who has been allegedly trapped in space for the last 25 years and needs $3 million to get back to earth.

According to the e-mail quoted by Nigeria Communications Week, Abacha Tunde – allegedly Africa’s first man in space – was left trapped on board a Soviet spacecraft when the USSR dissolved.

“His other Soviet crew members returned to Earth on the Soyuz T-16Z, but his place was taken up by return cargo,” his cousin Dr. Bakara Tunde claimed.

The e-mail claimed that Tunde remains in “good humour” despite his secret mission going spectacularly wrong.

“There have been occasional Progrez supply flights to keep him going since that time,” explained a man who claims to be his brother in the email.

It added: “In the 14 years since he has been on the station, he has accumulated flight pay and interest amounting to almost $15 million. This is held in a trust at the Lagos National Savings and Trust Association.

“If we can obtain access to this money, we can place a down payment with the Russian Space Authorities for a Soyuz return flight to bring him back to earth. I am told this will cost $3 million. In order to access this trust fund we need your assistance.

“My colleagues and I are willing to transfer the total amount to your account or subsequent disbursement.”

•Photo courtesy of NASA shows an astronaut in space.