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Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, NPF-NCCC, have arrested a woman and her daughter over their alleged involvement in a romance scam that reportedly defrauded a Malta-based victim of more than N18 million.

The police disclosed that the arrests followed investigations into allegations bordering on computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering after receiving intelligence from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU.

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, preliminary investigations showed that a Lagos resident identified as Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently at large, allegedly worked with Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru to open and operate multiple bank accounts allegedly used for fraudulent transactions.

“One of the victims was identified as a resident of Malta whose identity has been withheld,” the statement said.

The police further stated that proceeds from the alleged romance scam were moved through money transfer operators and direct deposits into several Nigerian bank accounts linked to Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.

Investigators also alleged that the funds were later transferred into an Ecobank account belonging to Urowhe Diana, where the money was reportedly spent.

According to the statement, forensic examination of the suspects’ digital activities allegedly connected both mother and daughter to the cybercrime network, leading to their arrest.

The police added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend Emmanuel Amanfo, who was 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 investigations,” the statement added.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to securing Nigeria’s cyberspace and combating cybercrime nationwide.

The NPF-NCCC also urged members of the public to report suspicious cyber-related activities through its official online reporting platform and designated communication channels.

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