Mother, daughter arrested over N18 Million online romance fraud
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 reportedly defrauded a Malta-based victim of more than N18 million.
The suspects, identified as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru, were apprehended following an investigation into allegations of cyber fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Police Public Liaison Officer, DSP Uwana Imah, the investigation was launched after intelligence received from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) uncovered suspicious financial transactions linked to the suspects.
Preliminary findings revealed that a Lagos resident, Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently on the run, allegedly collaborated with Rokibat Imoru in opening and operating multiple bank accounts used to receive proceeds from fraudulent online activities.
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Police said one of the victims, whose identity has been withheld, resides in Malta and was allegedly deceived through a romance scam scheme.
Investigators disclosed that funds obtained from the victim were transferred through money transfer services and direct deposits into several Nigerian bank accounts allegedly controlled by Rokibat. The money was later traced to an Ecobank account belonging to her mother, Urowhe Diana, where the funds were reportedly spent.
The police further stated that forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital activities established links between both women and the alleged fraudulent operation, leading to their arrest.
Authorities are also intensifying efforts to apprehend Emmanuel Amanfo, who is described as Diana’s husband and Rokibat’s stepfather.
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The NPF-NCCC said investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged in court upon completion of the probe.
The police reaffirmed the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to strengthening cybersecurity and tackling cybercrime across the country.
The agency also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activities through its official reporting channels.
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