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 defrauded a victim based in Malta of over ₦18 million.
The suspects were identified as Urowhe Diana, 39, and her daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru, 22. They were arrested following an intelligence report received from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) on a case involving computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Police Public Liaison Officer, NPF-NCCC, DSP Unwana Imah, preliminary investigations revealed that one Emmanuel Amanfo, a Lagos resident and husband of Urowhe Diana (currently at large), allegedly conspired with his stepdaughter, Rokibat, to open and operate multiple bank accounts used for the fraudulent activities.
“The victim, a resident of Malta (identity withheld), was defrauded through romance scam tactics. Funds were transferred via Money Transfer Operators and direct deposits into several bank accounts belonging to Rokibat Imoru. The proceeds were subsequently moved into an Ecobank account owned by Urowhe Diana, where they were allegedly spent,” the statement added.
Forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital footprints confirmed their active involvement in the romance scam operation, leading to their arrest. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Emmanuel Amanfo.
The NPF-NCCC stated that investigations are continuing, and the suspects will be charged in court upon completion of the probe. The Centre reiterated the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to combating cybercrime and protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspicious cyber-related activities through the NPF-NCCC’s official reporting channels.