The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of a mother and her daughter over an alleged romance scam involving ₦18 million, following an investigation into a coordinated online fraud scheme in which victims were reportedly deceived through fake romantic identities and induced into multiple financial transfers.
The romance scam arrest comes amid increasing reports of cyber-enabled fraud cases in Nigeria, where suspects exploit social media platforms and messaging applications to create fake romantic profiles used in defrauding victims.
Police authorities have consistently warned that such schemes often involve structured networks where different individuals may play roles such as account handlers, financial receivers, and identity impersonators. In many cases, victims are targeted over extended periods, with fraudsters building emotional trust before introducing fabricated emergencies requiring urgent financial assistance.
According to police authorities handling the case, the romance scam led to the arrest of a mother and her daughter who were allegedly linked to an online fraud operation that resulted in losses estimated at ₦18 million.
Investigators stated that the suspects were picked up following intelligence reports and monitoring of financial transactions connected to accounts allegedly used in receiving funds from victims. The police explained that the romance scam involved a pattern where victims were engaged online by individuals posing as romantic partners, with communication sustained over time to build trust before monetary demands were introduced.
Authorities further noted that multiple transfers were allegedly made by victims under different pretences, including emergency requests and personal hardship claims attributed to fabricated identities. During preliminary investigation, officers reportedly traced part of the funds to accounts linked to the suspects, which formed a key basis for their arrest.
The police added that electronic devices and communication records were recovered and are currently undergoing forensic analysis to determine the full extent of the romance scam operation and identify additional collaborators. The suspects remain in custody as investigators expand the probe to establish whether the case is part of a wider network involving other individuals operating similar online fraud schemes.
The romance scam case highlights the operational structure of online fraud networks and the increasing use of family-linked or close-knit actors in cybercrime activities.
Security analysts note that such arrests reflect ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to disrupt digital fraud pipelines, particularly those involving coordinated financial routing through multiple accounts. The case also underscores the importance of financial monitoring systems and digital tracking tools in identifying suspicious transaction patterns linked to online impersonation schemes.
