Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) have arrested a mother and her daughter for their alleged roles in an elaborate romance fraud that defrauded a victim in Malta of N18 million.
The suspects, 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru, were detained in connection with computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.
Authorities acted on intelligence from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), which flagged suspicious financial transactions linked to the duo.
Investigators claim the women belonged to a syndicate that built fake romantic relationships online to exploit foreign victims emotionally and financially.
Preliminary findings indicate that a Lagos-based man, Emmanuel Amanfo, who remains at large, allegedly worked with Rokibat to open and manage several bank accounts used for receiving scam proceeds.
Funds were reportedly transferred through money transfer services and direct deposits before being moved into an Ecobank account belonging to Urowhe Diana, where they were allegedly spent.
Forensic examination of the suspects’ phones and online activities reportedly provided direct evidence tying both women to the fraud operation.
“The investigation remains active, and the suspects will be arraigned in court once it is completed,” a police statement said.
Authorities also confirmed efforts are underway to apprehend Amanfo, described as Urowhe’s husband and Rokibat’s stepfather.
This case highlights the rising threat of cross-border romance scams by Nigerian syndicates, who often use fake identities to target victims abroad through emotional manipulation and digital platforms.
In a related development, the NPF-NCCC is probing another alleged romance fraud involving a Nigerian suspect accused of swindling a German national of over €100,000.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to fighting cybercrime and safeguarding Nigeria’s digital space.
The NPF-NCCC encouraged members of the public to report suspected online fraudulent activities through official channels.