Lagos real estate CEO arrested in Dublin over alleged $23m fraud while trying to catch flight to Paris

A 39-year-old Nigerian businessman and Lagos-based real estate CEO, 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 UK-issued warrant over alleged money laundering connected to the fraud, which investigators say occurred in early 2023 and involved approximately $23 million (£17 million). 

According to the UK National Crime Agency, individuals believed to be based in the UK allegedly deceived employees of the Australian company into transferring money to accounts they controlled.

Omokhuale was reportedly living in the UK at the time of the alleged fraud and is wanted in connection with money laundering charges.

He was due to appear before a court in Dublin on Thursday as extradition proceedings began to return him to the UK.