Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) have arrested a mother and her daughter for allegedly defrauding a Malta-based victim of more than ₦18 million through a suspected romance scam.
The suspects, identified as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru, were apprehended following an investigation into alleged computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Uwana Imah, the investigation was launched after the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) provided intelligence reports linked to suspicious financial transactions.
Preliminary findings revealed that a Lagos resident, Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently on the run, allegedly collaborated with Rokibat Imoru to open and operate several bank accounts reportedly used to receive fraudulent funds.
Police said one of the victims, whose identity was withheld, resides in Malta.
Investigators further alleged that money obtained from the scam was transferred through money transfer operators and direct deposits into multiple Nigerian bank accounts belonging to Rokibat. The funds were later traced to an Ecobank account owned by her mother, Urowhe Diana, where the proceeds were allegedly spent.
The police added that forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital activities linked both women to the alleged romance scam operation, leading to their arrest.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to arrest Emmanuel Amanfo, described as Urowhe Diana’s husband and Rokibat Imoru’s stepfather.
The police noted that investigations are still ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.
The NPF-NCCC also reaffirmed the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to combating cybercrime and protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace