The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Nigerian socialite Nzube Henry Ikeji over allegations that he impersonated the Crown Prince of Dubai to defraud a Romanian businesswoman of $2.5 million.
The arrest reportedly followed the release of a documentary by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) exposing the alleged fraud scheme.
According to the OCCRP, Ikeji, 31, allegedly approached the victim, identified only as Laura, on LinkedIn under the guise of seeking to invest in humanitarian projects in her country.
Over a period of two years, he reportedly built an online romantic relationship with her, eventually proposing marriage and persuading her to cover the costs of what he claimed would be their marital engagement.
The report stated that Ikeji later introduced Laura to Dr Martins Abhulimhen, 60, who allegedly posed as his financial manager based in London.
The victim was said to have transferred more than $2.5 million to bank accounts linked to Ikeji in Nigeria and to Abhulimhen in the United Kingdom.
Both men are reportedly well-connected socially and have been photographed with several prominent Nigerians, including Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other influential figures.
They have also been linked socially to notable businessmen such as Obi Cubana and Arthur Eze.
Authorities are expected to continue investigations into the case.
