The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested a woman and her daughter for allegedly defrauding a Malta-based victim of over N18 million through an online romance scam.
The suspects, identified as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru, were arrested following investigations into allegations of cyber fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Uwana Imah, the investigation began after intelligence was received from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
Police investigations revealed that a Lagos resident, Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently on the run, allegedly worked with Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru to open and manage several bank accounts used for fraudulent transactions.
The police said funds linked to the alleged scam were transferred through money transfer operators and direct deposits into multiple Nigerian bank accounts belonging to Rokibat. Investigators further alleged that the money was later moved into an Ecobank account owned by her mother, Urowhe Diana, where the funds were allegedly spent.
“One of the victims was identified as a resident of Malta whose identity has been withheld,” the statement noted.
Authorities also disclosed that forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital activities allegedly connected both mother and daughter to the cybercrime operation, leading to their arrest.
The police added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend Emmanuel Amanfo, described as Urowhe Diana’s husband and Rokibat’s stepfather.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
