The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has arrested a mother and her daughter for their alleged involvement in a romance scam that defrauded a victim based in Malta of more than N18 million.
Suspects Identified
Acting Police Public Liaison Officer of the NPF-NCCC in Abuja, DSP Unwana Imah, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The suspects are 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her daughter, 22-year-old Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.
Role of Stepfather
According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that a Lagos resident and Rokibat's stepfather, identified as Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently at large, allegedly conspired with her to open and operate multiple bank accounts used for fraudulent transactions.
Further investigation showed that proceeds from the alleged romance scam were transferred through money transfer operators and direct deposits into several Nigerian bank accounts belonging to Rokibat.
Investigators also alleged that the funds were later moved into an Ecobank account owned by Urowhe Diana, where the money was allegedly spent.
Official Statement
The statement read: "The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) is currently investigating a case involving Computer Related Fraud, Identity Theft, and Money Laundering following an intelligence report received from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU)."
It added: "Preliminary investigations revealed that one Emmanuel Amanfo ‘M’, 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. One of their victims was identified as a resident of Malta (name withheld)."
"Further investigations showed that funds were transferred through Money Transfer Operators and direct deposits into several Nigerian bank accounts, all owned by Rokibat Imoru. 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."
"Following forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital footprints, the mother and daughter were arrested for their active involvement in a romance scam operation. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect, Emmanuel Amanfo, who is the husband of Urowhe Diana and step-father of Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru."
"Investigation into the matter is still ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation."
Police Commitment
The Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc(+), NPM, remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and protecting the nation’s cyberspace. In furtherance of this, the Director of NPF-NCCC urges members of the public to report suspicious cybercriminal activities through the official online reporting portal at https://nccc.npf.gov.ng/ereport/signin or via email.
