Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, NPF-NCCC, have arrested a mother and her daughter over their alleged involvement in a romance scam that reportedly defrauded a Malta-based victim of more than N18 million.

The police said the arrests followed investigations into allegations of computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering arising from an intelligence report received from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU.

In a statement issued by the Acting Police Public Liaison Officer, DSP Uwana Imah, the police identified the suspects as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that a Lagos resident, Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently at large, allegedly conspired with Rokibat to open and operate multiple bank accounts used for fraudulent transactions.

“One of the victims was identified as a resident of Malta whose identity has been withheld,” the statement said.

The police disclosed that funds obtained from the alleged scam were transferred through money transfer operators and direct deposits into several Nigerian bank accounts belonging to Rokibat Imoru.

Investigators further alleged that the funds were subsequently moved into an Ecobank account owned by her mother, Urowhe Diana, where the proceeds were allegedly spent.

The statement added that forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital activities linked both mother and daughter to the romance scam operation, leading to their arrest.

Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend Emmanuel Amanfo, described as the husband of Urowhe Diana and stepfather of Rokibat Imoru.

“Investigation into the matter is still ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” the statement added.

The police reiterated the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace and combating cybercrime across the country.

The NPF-NCCC also urged members of the public to report suspicious cyber-related activities through its official online reporting portal and designated communication channels. (Vanguard)