Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) have arrested a woman and her daughter in connection with a romance scam that defrauded a victim in Malta 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 a coordinated investigation into cyber fraud, identity theft, and money laundering. The case came to light after intelligence was shared by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), prompting swift action by cybercrime specialists.
The investigation revealed that the suspects operated a sophisticated fraud network involving multiple bank accounts opened in Nigeria. A Lagos-based man named Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently at large, is alleged to have collaborated with Rokibat Imoru in setting up these accounts to facilitate fraudulent transactions. According to the police, Amanfo is also the husband of Urowhe Diana and the stepfather of Rokibat, adding a familial dimension to the criminal operation.
One of the victims, a resident of Malta, lost over N18 million after being lured into a romance scam. The victim’s identity has been withheld for security reasons, but authorities confirmed that the scam involved emotional manipulation and false promises of love and financial support. Funds obtained from the scam were moved through money transfer operators and directly deposited into several Nigerian bank accounts linked to Rokibat Imoru.
Forensic analysis of digital activities conducted by the suspects provided strong evidence linking both mother and daughter to the cybercrime. The money was later transferred into an Ecobank account registered under Urowhe Diana’s name, where it was allegedly spent. The police stated that the financial trail and digital footprint left behind were critical in tracing the suspects and securing their arrest.
Efforts are ongoing to locate Emmanuel Amanfo, who remains a key suspect in the case. The NPF-NCCC has emphasized that the investigation is still active and that the suspects will be charged to court once all evidence is compiled. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reiterated the force’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace and cracking down on cybercrime across the country.
The NPF-NCCC is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activities through its official online reporting portal or designated communication channels. As cybercrime continues to evolve, law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to dismantle such networks and bring perpetrators to justice. This case highlights the growing threat of romance scams and the importance of public awareness in preventing future victimization.
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