Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre 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 police said the arrests followed investigations into allegations of computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering, based on intelligence received from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.
According to a statement by DSP Uwana Imah, the suspects were identified as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.
Preliminary investigations allegedly showed that a Lagos resident, Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently at large, worked with the daughter to open and operate multiple bank accounts used for fraudulent transactions.
The victim was identified as a resident of Malta whose identity was not disclosed.
Police said proceeds from the alleged scam were transferred through money transfer platforms and deposited into several Nigerian bank accounts linked to the suspects.
Investigators also alleged that the funds were later moved into an Ecobank account belonging to the mother, where they were spent.
Forensic analysis of their digital activities reportedly linked both mother and daughter to the cybercrime operation, leading to their arrest.
Police added that efforts are ongoing to arrest Emmanuel Amanfo, described as the husband of the mother and stepfather of the daughter.
The statement added that the suspects will be charged to court after investigations are completed.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to tackling cybercrime and protecting Nigeria’s digital space, while urging the public to report suspicious online activities through official channels.
