Dawn, from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, said she met Emokpae, from Edo State, on dating platforms Tinder and Plenty of Fish in 2021.
She claimed he initially introduced himself as Brian Thomas, a professional in his 30s, before later admitting that he was actually a fashion student in his mid-20s from Benin, Nigeria.
Despite the alleged deception, Dawn said she became attached to him through his affectionate messages and regular video calls. The pair eventually married at a registry office in Nicosia, Cyprus, on March 22, 2022, after which Emokpae returned to Nigeria to apply for a UK spouse visa.
According to Dawn, their relationship began to deteriorate after his visa was approved about a year later and she welcomed him to the UK.
She alleged that he became distant, frequently requested money, refused to contribute to household expenses and regularly sent money to Nigeria.
The couple separated in October 2023 but reportedly reconciled six months later after Dawn received a £63,000 compensation settlement following a botched medical procedure.
However, she said Emokpae left shortly after she returned from a £2,000 Caribbean cruise with her brother just before Christmas 2024 and has not returned since.
Dawn said she has not spoken to him for about eight months after he allegedly blocked her on social media. She suspects he may now be living in Scotland, where she believes he is running an online clothing business.
“He’s done a runner and is refusing to sign the divorce papers because I believe he wants to cling on to his spouse visa,” she said.
Dawn, who said she has not made a will, expressed concern that Emokpae could potentially claim some of her possessions if she dies before their divorce is finalised.
“I feel I’m being used,” she said, adding that she is receiving assistance from Citizens Advice in trying to locate him and serve him with the divorce papers.
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