Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre have arrested a mother and her daughter for allegedly defrauding a Malta-based victim of over N18 million through a romance scam scheme.
The suspects were identified as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Police Public Relations Officer of the NPF-NCCC, DSP Unwana Imah, the case involves allegations of computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.
Police investigations revealed that a Lagos resident, Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently on the run and said to be Rokibat’s stepfather, allegedly worked with the young woman to open and operate multiple bank accounts used in carrying out fraudulent transactions.
Authorities disclosed that proceeds from the alleged romance scam were received through money transfer operators and direct deposits into several Nigerian bank accounts owned by Rokibat Imoru.
Investigators further alleged that the funds were later transferred into an Ecobank account belonging to her mother, Urowhe Diana, where the money was reportedly spent.
The police said forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital activities linked them to the alleged cybercrime operation, leading to their arrest.
The NPF-NCCC added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend Emmanuel Amanfo, who remains at large.
According to the police, the suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The cybercrime centre also reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to tackling cybercrime and safeguarding Nigeria’s cyberspace.
