Nigeria police arrest mother and daughter over Malta-linked romance fraud

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre announced the arrest of 39‑year‑old Urowhe Diana and her 22‑year‑old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru. Investigators say the pair ran an online romance scam that defrauded a victim in Malta of more than N18 million.

Authorities allege that the scheme involved a Lagos‑based suspect, Emmanuel Amanfo, who remains at large, and that the proceeds were transferred through money‑transfer operators into several Nigerian bank accounts before some funds were moved to an Ecobank account belonging to Diana. Digital forensic analysis linked the suspects to the fraud, and police said the investigation is ongoing, with the suspects to be charged in court. The Inspector‑General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the force’s commitment to combating cybercrime.