A socialite, Henry Nzube Ikeji, has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the handling of his case, stating that preliminary investigations have cleared him of allegations.

The EFCC arrested Ikeji following a documentary by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) alleging that he posed as a Saudi Crown Prince in a scam involving a Romanian woman in a $2.5 million love-and-investment scheme.

The report said Ikeji was identified as the main actor in the alleged fraud after a viral video clip was reviewed, prompting an investigation by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre.

Ikeji denied the allegations, maintaining that the N155,186,500 traced to his account were the proceeds of legitimate business activities.

His media adviser, Chinyere James, who visited him in EFCC custody, described the arrest as a case of mistaken identity.

Quoting Ikeji, she said: “The EFCC’s investigation report shows he isn’t the culprit in the Dubai Crown Prince impersonation scandal.

“Of all allegations linking him to the supposed Dubai Crown Prince case, only the sum of N155,186,500 was traced to Mr Henry Nzube Ikeji, which he said is proceeds of his business. He also provided his Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement registered with the Notary Public of Nigeria to prove the legitimacy of his business deals.”

James expressed confidence that the matter would end in Ikeji’s favour, adding that the commission had established his innocence.

At press time, the EFCC had yet to respond to enquiries.