By our Reporter
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center has arrested a mother and her daughter over their alleged involvement in an ₦18 million romance scam and related cybercrime activities.
The suspects, identified as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru, are currently being investigated for alleged computer-related fraud, identity theft and money laundering.
According to the police, the investigation followed an intelligence report received from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.
Preliminary findings revealed that a Lagos-based suspect, Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently at large, allegedly conspired with his stepdaughter, Rokibat Imoru, to open and operate multiple bank accounts used for fraudulent transactions.
Investigators said one of the victims of the alleged scam was a resident of Malta whose identity was withheld.
The police disclosed that funds obtained from the victim were transferred through money transfer operators and direct deposits into several Nigerian bank accounts belonging to Rokibat Imoru.
According to the investigation, the funds were later moved into an Ecobank account owned by her mother, Urowhe Diana, where the proceeds were allegedly spent.
The police said forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital activities linked the mother and daughter to a romance scam network, leading to their arrest.
Authorities added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend Emmanuel Amanfo, identified as the husband of Urowhe Diana and stepfather of Rokibat Imoru.
The Nigeria Police Force said investigations into the matter were still ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.
The police reiterated their commitment to protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace and combating cybercrime under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The Director of the NPF-NCCC also urged members of the public to report suspicious cybercrime activities through the centre’s official reporting channels.
