EFCC Arrests Socialite Nzube Henry Ikeji Over Alleged $2.5m ‘Fake Dubai Prince’ Scam

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Nigerian socialite Nzube Henry Ikeji over allegations that he impersonated the Crown Prince of Dubai in a romance and investment scam that reportedly defrauded a Romanian businesswoman of $2.5 million.

The arrest was disclosed by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which said the suspect was taken into custody shortly after the release of its investigative documentary on the alleged scheme.

In a statement published Monday, the OCCRP said the arrest followed its documentary titled “Exposed: Fake ‘Dubai Prince’ Tracked to Nigeria.”

“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 organization said, adding that another potential victim had since come forward in Romania.

The EFCC has not yet filed formal charges against Ikeji. An agency spokesperson confirmed to OCCRP that charges are still pending.

According to the investigation, Ikeji, 31, allegedly posed online as the Crown Prince of Dubai and contacted a Romanian businesswoman identified only as Laura through LinkedIn. The relationship reportedly developed into a romantic exchange, during which he claimed he wanted to fund humanitarian projects in Romania.

Investigators say he later proposed marriage and persuaded the woman to cover expenses tied to what he described as traditional engagement requirements.

OCCRP reported that the victim was later directed to a supposed financial manager, identified as Martins Abhulimhen, who allegedly used the alias “Dr. Mathew Croos” while meeting her in London.

Authorities say the woman transferred more than $2.5 million over two years. The Metropolitan Police Service in London reportedly traced the funds to bank accounts linked to Abhulimhen in the United Kingdom and Ikeji in Nigeria.

The investigation previously identified Ikeji as founder of the Nzube Ikeji Foundation, while Abhulimhen is associated with the Jose Foundation.

OCCRP also noted that both men have been photographed at public events with several prominent Nigerian figures, including Kayode Egbetokun, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Femi Gbajabiamila, Godswill Akpabio and Nyesom Wike, among others.

The EFCC has not publicly commented further on the status of the investigation.