Police investigate socialite over alleged $2.5m romance scam
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre is investigating Nzube Ikeji for allegedly impersonating the Dubai Crown Prince to defraud a Romanian woman named Laura. The alleged scam reportedly involved about $2.5 million and was exposed after internal disagreements within the syndicate. The investigation was prompted by a viral documentary and information circulating in the media. Police say they are still gathering evidence and have not yet received a formal complaint from the victim or documentary producers.
What we know
- Nzube Ikeji is accused of posing as the Dubai Crown Prince to defraud Laura in a romance and investment scam.
- The alleged scam was brought to light by a documentary from the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project.
- Internal disputes among the syndicate reportedly led to the exposure of the scheme, with an accomplice revealing Ikeji's identity to the victim.
- The documentary team, with help from journalist Chikezie Omeje, tracked down Ikeji using social media.
- Police say they are still profiling Ikeji and gathering evidence, as no direct complaint has been received yet.
