The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested a mother and her daughter over their alleged involvement in an ₦18 million romance scam and related cybercrime offences.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Police Public Liaison Officer of the NPF-NCCC, DSP Unwana Imah, the suspects are being investigated for alleged computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering following an intelligence report received from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
The police identified the suspects as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru. Authorities alleged that the duo conspired with Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently at large, to operate multiple bank accounts used for fraudulent transactions.
Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the victims of the alleged romance scam is a resident of Malta whose identity was withheld by the police.
The NPF-NCCC disclosed that funds linked to the fraudulent scheme were transferred through money transfer operators and direct deposits into several Nigerian bank accounts allegedly owned by Rokibat Imoru.
Investigators further alleged that the proceeds were later moved into an Ecobank account belonging to her mother, Urowhe Diana, where the money was reportedly spent.
According to the statement, forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital activities led to the arrest of the mother and daughter for their alleged active roles in the romance scam operation.
Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to apprehend Emmanuel Amanfo, identified as the husband of Urowhe Diana and stepfather of Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.
The police added that investigations are still ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.
The NPF-NCCC reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to combating cybercrime and protecting Nigeria’s digital space.
The agency also urged members of the public to report suspicious cyber-related activities through its official online reporting portal or designated email channels.
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