Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a Nigerian socialite, Nzube Henry Ikeji, over allegations that he impersonated the Crown Prince of Dubai to defraud a Romanian businesswoman of about $2.5 million in what investigators described as a romance and humanitarian investment scam.
The arrest was revealed by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), an international investigative journalism network that recently released a documentary examining the alleged fraud operation.
According to the organisation, Ikeji was taken into custody by Nigerian authorities shortly after the documentary exposed details of the scheme and the individuals allegedly involved in it.
Arrest Follows Investigative Documentary
In an update published on Monday, OCCRP said the arrest occurred within days of the release of its investigation titled “Exposed: Fake ‘Dubai Prince’ Tracked to Nigeria.”
The documentary reportedly traced the identity of the alleged fraudster and explained how the scheme targeted a Romanian entrepreneur identified only as Laura.
“Within a week of the release of an OCCRP documentary exposing an online fraud operation, Nigerian authorities arrested a man allegedly involved in the scheme,” the organisation said.
Despite the arrest, the EFCC has not yet filed formal charges against the suspect.
A spokesperson for the anti-graft agency told OCCRP that investigations are ongoing.
How the Alleged Scam Worked
Investigators said Ikeji allegedly posed online as the Crown Prince of Dubai and contacted the Romanian businesswoman through the professional networking platform LinkedIn.
The suspect reportedly told the woman he was interested in funding humanitarian and development projects in Romania.
According to the report, their communication later developed into an online romantic relationship.
During the relationship, the suspect allegedly proposed marriage and convinced the woman that certain traditional customs required her to make payments related to their engagement.
Another Suspect Identified
OCCRP’s investigation also linked another Nigerian, Martins Abhulimhen, to the scheme.
Abhulimhen, a 60-year-old who founded the Jose Foundation, allegedly acted as the “financial manager” to the fake prince.
In the alleged operation, he reportedly used the name “Dr. Mathew Croos” when meeting the victim in London.
Investigators said the victim was instructed to deal with Abhulimhen regarding financial transactions connected to the supposed investment projects.
Money Transfers Over Two Years
According to OCCRP, the victim transferred more than $2.5 million over a period of about two years.
Authorities later traced the funds to bank accounts allegedly connected to the suspects.
The London Metropolitan Police reportedly tracked some of the payments to Abhulimhen’s accounts in the United Kingdom and to accounts linked to Ikeji in Nigeria.
Links to Influential Figures
The investigation also revealed that both men had been photographed at events with several influential individuals in Nigeria.
Among those mentioned were the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.
They were also reportedly seen at social gatherings with business figures such as Obi Cubana and Arthur Eze.
However, investigators did not suggest that any of these public figures were connected to the alleged fraud.
Investigation Continues
Authorities have not yet announced when Ikeji may be formally charged in court.
The EFCC said investigations are continuing as it gathers evidence related to the alleged scheme.
The case highlights the growing problem of romance and online investment scams, where fraudsters impersonate wealthy or powerful individuals to build trust with victims before requesting money.
If proven in court, the alleged fraud could become one of the most high-profile international romance scam cases involving Nigerian suspects in recent years.
