The suspects, identified as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru, were arrested following investigations into allegations of computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) have arrested a woman and her daughter over their alleged involvement in a romance scam that reportedly defrauded a Malta-based victim of more than N18 million.
The suspects, identified as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru, were arrested following investigations into allegations of computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Uwana Imah, the investigation began after intelligence was received from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
Preliminary findings revealed that a Lagos resident, Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently at large, allegedly worked with Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru to open and operate multiple bank accounts used for fraudulent transactions.
The police said one of the victims was a resident of Malta whose identity was withheld.
Investigators further disclosed that proceeds from the alleged romance scam were transferred through money transfer operators and direct deposits into several Nigerian bank accounts belonging to Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.
The funds were later allegedly moved into an Ecobank account owned by Urowhe Diana, where the money was reportedly spent.
According to the statement, forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital activities linked both mother and daughter to the cybercrime operation, leading to their arrest.
The police added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend Emmanuel Amanfo, described as the husband of Urowhe Diana and stepfather of Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.
“Investigation into the matter is still ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” the statement added.
The Nigeria Police Force 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 reporting channels.
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