Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre has arrested a mother and her daughter over their alleged involvement in a romance scam that reportedly defrauded a Malta-based victim of over N18 million.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by DSP Unwana Imah, Acting Police Public Liaison Officer of the NPF-NCCC in Abuja, the suspects were identified as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.
Preliminary findings by investigators suggest that a Lagos-based man, Emmanuel Amanfo—currently at large and described as Rokibat’s stepfather—allegedly worked with her to open and operate multiple bank accounts used to move proceeds from the fraud.
Authorities say the accounts were allegedly used to channel funds obtained through the romance scam targeting the victim based in Malta.
Investigations are ongoing as police continue efforts to track down other suspects linked to the case.
The statement further disclosed that proceeds from the alleged romance scam were moved through money transfer operators and direct bank deposits into several accounts linked to Rokibat.
Investigators also alleged that the funds were later transferred into an Ecobank account belonging to her mother, Urowhe Diana, where they were subsequently spent.
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre said it is currently investigating a case involving computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering, following intelligence received from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.
According to the statement, preliminary findings indicate that Emmanuel Amanfo, a Lagos resident who is currently on the run, allegedly conspired with his 22-year-old stepdaughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru, to open and operate multiple bank accounts used for fraudulent transactions.
Funds obtained from the alleged romance scam were, upon receipt, reportedly transferred into an Ecobank account belonging to the suspects’ 39-year-old mother, Urowhe Diana, where they were allegedly spent.
The police stated that forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital footprints played a key role in tracking and arresting the mother and daughter over their alleged involvement in the fraud network.
According to the statement, efforts are ongoing to apprehend Emmanuel Amanfo, who is described as the husband of Urowhe Diana and stepfather of Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.
Authorities added that investigations are still in progress, and the suspects will be charged in court once the probe is concluded.
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) reaffirmed its commitment, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, to tackling cybercrime and safeguarding Nigeria’s digital space.
The centre also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious cyber-related activities through its official communication channels.