Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) have arrested a mother and her daughter for their alleged involvement in a romance scam that reportedly defrauded a Malta-based victim of more than N18 million.
The arrests followed investigations into allegations of computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering linked to an intelligence report received from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
In a statement issued by the Acting Police Public Liaison Officer, DSP Uwana Imah, the suspects were identified as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that a Lagos resident, Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently at large, allegedly conspired with Rokibat Imoru to open and operate multiple bank accounts used for fraudulent transactions.
Police said one of the victims, whose identity was withheld, is a resident of Malta.
The statement disclosed that funds allegedly obtained from the scam were transferred through money transfer operators and direct deposits into several Nigerian bank accounts belonging to Rokibat Imoru.
Investigators further alleged that the funds were later moved into an Ecobank account owned by Urowhe Diana, where the proceeds were reportedly spent.
The police added that forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital activities linked both mother and daughter to the alleged romance scam operation, leading to their arrest.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Emmanuel Amanfo, who was described as the husband of Urowhe Diana and stepfather of Rokibat Imoru.
“Investigation into the matter is still ongoing, and the suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion of investigations,” the statement added.
The police also reiterated the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to combating cybercrime and protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace.
