Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) have arrested a mother and her daughter over their alleged involvement in an ₦18 million romance scam targeting a foreign victim.
Police sources disclosed that the suspects, identified as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru, were apprehended following an intelligence report from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
According to investigators, the duo allegedly worked with one Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently on the run, to open and operate multiple bank accounts used for fraudulent transactions.
Detectives revealed that one of the victims, said to be a resident of Malta, was allegedly deceived in an online romance scam and made several transfers through Money Transfer Operators and direct bank deposits.
The funds, reportedly exceeding ₦18 million, were traced to accounts belonging to Rokibat Imoru before they were allegedly moved into an Ecobank account operated by her mother, Urowhe Diana.
Sources at the NPF-NCCC said forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital activities linked them directly to the cyber fraud operation.
“The proceeds were allegedly spent after being moved through several accounts,” a source familiar with the investigation disclosed.
Police authorities further stated that efforts are ongoing to arrest Emmanuel Amanfo, believed to be the mastermind of the syndicate, as investigations continue.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting Nigeria’s digital space under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
Members of the public were also urged to report suspicious online activities through the NPF-NCCC reporting channels.
