The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has launched an investigation into a viral documentary alleging that a Nigerian socialite impersonated the Crown Prince of Dubai to defraud a foreign victim of millions of dollars.
The Commissioner of Police overseeing the National Cybercrime Centre, CP Uche Ifeanyi, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing, confirming that officers have begun profiling and fact-checking the claims circulating online.
According to Ifeanyi, the police took action immediately after the documentary gained widespread attention on social media and international platforms.
“We were able to intercept the case that is currently trending. Just this morning, I summoned my officers to conduct profiling and analyse the facts available in the public domain,” he said.
The cybercrime boss clarified that the Nigeria Police Force has not yet received any formal complaint or petition from the YouTuber or documentary producers responsible for the report. As a result, investigators are relying on publicly available information while the review continues.
CP Ifeanyi also warned Nigerians to be cautious of online investment scams, romance scams, and cyber fraud, noting that exaggerated profit promises and pressure tactics are common red flags.
“When an investment appears too good to be true, people should ask questions. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General of Police for proper investigation,” he said.
The documentary, published by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), alleged that a Nigerian identified as Nzube Henry Ikeji posed as the Dubai Crown Prince in a complex romance and humanitarian investment scam. The scheme reportedly cost a Romanian businesswoman, identified as Laura, approximately $2.5 million.
According to the report, the alleged fraud began around three years ago after the victim was contacted on LinkedIn by an account claiming to belong to the Dubai Crown Prince. The impersonation allegedly developed into a prolonged relationship involving requests for funds for supposed humanitarian and investment projects.
The documentary further claimed that internal disagreements among the suspects later led to the exposure of the scheme. One alleged accomplice reportedly revealed Ikeji’s identity and sent the victim a video showing him at what he described as his newly acquired mansion.
Members of the OCCRP documentary team reportedly travelled to Abuja, where they worked with Nigerian journalist Chikezie Omeje to trace the suspect through social media accounts linked to him and his wife.
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre says investigations are ongoing as authorities continue to assess the allegations and determine possible legal actions.
