Police arrest mother, daughter over alleged N18m romance scam

Editor

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre have arrested a mother and her daughter over their alleged involvement in a romance scam. They 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 after receiving intelligence from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.

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

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

Police said one of the victims was a resident of Malta whose identity was withheld.

Investigators alleged that money obtained through the romance scam was transferred through money transfer operators and direct deposits into multiple Nigerian bank accounts belonging to Rokibat Imoru.

The police further stated that the funds were later 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 alleged cybercrime operation, leading to their arrest.

The police added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend Emmanuel Amanfo, described as the husband of Urowhe Diana and stepfather of Rokibat Imoru.

Authorities said the suspects would be charged in court after the conclusion of investigations.

The cybercrime unit also reiterated the commitment of the Olatunji Rilwan Disu to combating cybercrime and protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace.