Police detectives from the National Cybercrime Centre of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested a woman and her daughter in connection with an alleged online romance scam that defrauded a victim based in Malta of over N18 million.
Read more: Mother, Daughter Arrested for Alleged Online Romance ScamThe suspects, 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru, were taken into custody following investigations into cyber fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.
Acting Police Public Liaison Officer Uwana Imah stated that the investigation was launched following actionable intelligence from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.
According to police, a Lagos resident identified as Emmanuel Amanfo—who is currently at large—allegedly collaborated with Rokibat Imoru to open and operate multiple bank accounts used to receive illicit funds.
One of the victims, whose identity remains confidential, is a resident of Malta. The police revealed that the fraudulent proceeds were funneled through money transfer services into several Nigerian bank accounts operated by Rokibat.
Further investigations indicated that a portion of the stolen funds was subsequently transferred to an Ecobank account belonging to Urowhe Diana, where the proceeds were reportedly spent.
Digital forensic analysis allegedly linked both suspects to the romance scam, resulting in their arrest.
Authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend Amanfo, who is reportedly Diana’s husband and Rokibat’s stepfather.
The investigation remains active, and the suspects will be formally charged in court upon its conclusion.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated Inspector-General IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu’s commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting Nigeria’s digital landscape. The National Cybercrime Centre also encouraged citizens to report suspicious online activities through its official channels.
