A 39-year-old Nigerian businessman and Lagos-based real estate executive, Edwin Omokhuale, has been arrested in Dublin, Ireland, over an alleged $23 million fraud involving an Australian mining company.
Omokhuale was arrested by Irish police at Dublin Airport on Wednesday, September 9, while reportedly preparing to board a flight to Paris.
His arrest followed a warrant issued in the United Kingdom over alleged money laundering linked to the fraud, which investigators said took place in early 2023 and involved approximately $23 million (£17 million).
According to the UK National Crime Agency, individuals believed to be operating from the UK allegedly deceived employees of the Australian company into transferring millions of dollars into accounts under their control.
Omokhuale was reportedly residing in the UK at the time of the alleged fraud and is wanted by British authorities in connection with money laundering allegations.
He appeared before a court in Dublin on Thursday as extradition proceedings commenced to facilitate his transfer to the UK.
The allegations against Omokhuale have not been proven in court, and the extradition process is expected to determine whether he will be returned to the UK to face the charges.
