The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested a mother and her daughter for their alleged involvement in a major romance scam that defrauded a Malta-based victim of over N18 million.
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 a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Police Public Liaison Officer for the NPF-NCCC, DSP Unwana Imah, forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital footprints ultimately led to their arrest.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the scheme was a family affair, allegedly masterminded alongside Rokibat’s stepfather, Emmanuel Amanfo.
Amanfo, a resident of Lagos who is currently at large, reportedly conspired with his stepdaughter to open and operate multiple bank accounts specifically dedicated to receiving fraudulent transactions.
The police confirmed that the identity of the Malta-based victim is currently being withheld as investigations into the computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering continue.
The illicit proceeds of the romance scam were initially funneled through various money transfer operators and direct deposits into several Nigerian bank accounts belonging to Rokibat.
Once the funds were successfully received, investigators allege they were systematically moved into an Ecobank account owned by her mother, Urowhe Diana, where the money was subsequently spent.
Authorities are currently intensifying efforts to track down and apprehend Amanfo, who is the husband of Diana.
The NPF-NCCC reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to aggressively combat cybercrime and protect the nation’s cyberspace.
Officials stated that the suspects will be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of the ongoing probe. In the meantime, the centre has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious cyber-related activities through its official reporting channels.
