Edwin Omokhuale: UK-Wanted Nigerian Real Estate CEO Arrested Over Alleged £17m Fraud
A 39-year-old Nigerian businessman and Lagos-based real estate executive, Edwin Omokhuale, has been arrested in Dublin, Ireland, over alleged money laundering linked to a multi-million-pound fraud involving an Australian mining company.
Omokhuale was arrested by officers of An Garda Síochána at Dublin Airport on Wednesday afternoon while he was reportedly preparing to board a flight to Paris.
His arrest followed a warrant issued by authorities in the United Kingdom in connection with an alleged fraud said to have been committed in early 2023.
According to the UK National Crime Agency (NCA), the alleged fraud involved approximately US$23 million, equivalent to about £17 million.
The agency said investigators believe the alleged fraudsters were based in the UK and had deceived employees of an Australian mining company into transferring funds into accounts controlled by them.
In a statement, the NCA said Omokhuale, who was 39 at the time of his arrest, was detained by Irish authorities on an arrest warrant issued by the UK.
The agency said he faces money laundering charges in connection with the alleged fraud involving approximately US$23 million.
Omokhuale, who reportedly lived in the UK at the time of the alleged offence, is wanted in connection with money laundering allegations arising from the case.
Following his arrest, he was expected to appear before a court in Dublin on Thursday, September 10, as extradition proceedings to return him to the UK commenced.
The NCA said the arrest was carried out with the assistance of Irish authorities.
The agency further alleged that the suspected fraudsters deceived employees of the Australian company into transferring money to accounts under their control.
However, the allegations against Omokhuale have not been proven in court, and he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
