Nigeria mother, daughter arrested for 18 million naira scam

A mother and daughter have been arrested in Nigeria for their alleged involvement in a romance scam that defrauded a victim based in Malta of more than 18 million naira. The arrests were made by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre following an investigation into computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.

The suspects were identified as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru. According to police statements, the investigation began after an intelligence report was received from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit. Preliminary findings allege that a Lagos resident, Emmanuel Amanfo, who remains at large, conspired with Rokibat Imoru to open and operate multiple bank accounts used for fraudulent transactions.

Authorities stated that funds obtained from the alleged romance scam were transferred through money transfer operators and direct deposits into several Nigerian bank accounts owned by Rokibat Imoru. Investigators further alleged that the money was subsequently moved into an Ecobank account belonging to her mother, Urowhe Diana, where the proceeds were spent. Police said forensic analysis of the...