Nzube Henry Ikeji, a popular Nigerian socialite, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly participating in a $2.5 million romance fraud,.
The arrest, which happened on Monday, March 16, 2026, in Lagos, was the result of a thorough undercover investigation that was started by a petition from a European national who had fallen for a cunning “prince” persona. Ikeji, who is well-known in social circles for his lavish lifestyle and frequent trips abroad, is charged with being the head of a gang that defrauded gullible people in Romania and Dubai by using emotional manipulation and creating false digital identities. The socialite allegedly pretended to be a high-ranking foreign official in order to request money under the pretense of “urgent medical emergencies” and “diplomatic clearance fees,” transferring the revenues through a network of shell corporations and cryptocurrency wallets, according to the EFCC’s preliminary findings.
According to Dele Oyewale, the Commission’s spokesperson, the socialite was apprehended at a five-star hotel on Victoria Island, where agents found many expensive cell phones and forensic evidence that connected him to the fraudulent transactions. This arrest demonstrates our dedication to preventing anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, from using the internet as a means of economic sabotage. The statement stated, “We are working with international partners to secure the restitution of these funds. We have tracked the movement of $2.5 million through various accounts linked to the suspect.” Additionally, the EFCC disclosed that the suspect had been on their radar for a number of months as reports of a “Dubai Prince” fraud that targeted wealthy women on Instagram surged.
