The IGP said in a statement on Monday, June 22, 2020 that the 40-year-old arrived in Nigeria in search of a romantic relationship with one Chukwudi Odo, 54, that she met on Facebook three years ago.

The IGP said the foreigner, an accountant, was rescued at Neke-Uno Village, Enugu East LGA, Enugu State six months after she arrived in Nigeria.

Panas' visit was supposed to last for 10 days, according to the police, but Odo refused to allow her return and continued to hold her against her will.

"Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect, Chukwudi Odo deliberately lured the victim into the country with the aim of confining her, sexually abusing, and extorting money from her," the statement read.

The rescue operation followed a tip-off from some members of the public in the area, according to the police.

Panas was critically ill at the time of rescue, and was immediately taken to the hospital for medical attention where she was admitted between June 5 and June 16.

"The IGP, while enjoining members of the public to tread cautiously in their use of the social media, warns against any abuse of the cyberspace noting that such criminal acts will not go undetected and unpunished by the Force," Monday's statement read.

The Force is already in contact with the Embassy of the Philippines in Nigeria to reunite the victim with her family.

Romance fraud is one of the most common schemes used by internet fraudsters who strike up relationships with unsuspecting people online, and exploit them for financial gains.