The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has arrested a mother and her daughter over their alleged involvement in a romance scam that reportedly defrauded a Malta-based victim of more than N18 million.

The suspects, identified as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru, were arrested following investigations into allegations of computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Police Public Relations Officer of the NPF-NCCC, DSP Unwana Imah, the investigation began after an intelligence report was received from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

Preliminary findings revealed that a Lagos resident, Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently on the run, allegedly conspired with his stepdaughter, Rokibat Imoru, to open and operate multiple bank accounts used for fraudulent transactions.

Investigators said one of the victims, a resident of Malta whose identity was withheld, transferred funds through money transfer operators and direct deposits into several Nigerian bank accounts allegedly controlled by Rokibat.

The police further disclosed that the funds were later moved into an Ecobank account belonging to Urowhe Diana, where the proceeds were allegedly spent.

Following forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital footprints, police operatives arrested the mother and daughter for their alleged roles in the romance scam operation.

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

“Investigation into the matter is still ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” the statement added.