Police arrest mother, daughter over N18m romance scam

Authorities in Nigeria have apprehended a mother and daughter suspected of orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded a Malta-based victim of more than 18 million naira (approximately $12,000 USD).

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Preliminary investigations revealed that one Emmanuel Amanfo, a resident of Lagos State, who is currently at large, allegedly conspired with his 22-year-old stepdaughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru, to open and operate multiple bank accounts for fraudulent activities.

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) announced the arrests, identifying the suspects as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru. Preliminary police findings indicate that Emmanuel Amanfo, a Lagos resident and the daughter's stepfather, is currently at large but allegedly collaborated with Rokibat to establish and operate multiple bank accounts for illicit purposes.

According to a police statement, the proceeds from the alleged scam were channeled through money transfer services and direct deposits into several Nigerian bank accounts registered under Rokibat's name. Investigators further allege that these funds were subsequently transferred to an Ecobank account belonging to Urowhe Diana, where the money was reportedly spent.

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One of their victims was identified as a resident of Malta whose identity has been withheld.

The NPF-NCCC initiated the investigation following an intelligence report from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit concerning computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering. Forensic analysis of the suspects' digital activities reportedly led to their arrest. Efforts are underway to locate and apprehend Emmanuel Amanfo. The police stated that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will face charges upon completion of the probe.

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Upon receipt, the funds were transferred into an Ecobank account belonging to her 39-year-old mother, Urowhe Diana, where the proceeds were allegedly expended.