Operatives of Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, have arrested a domestic staff, Blessing Effiong and her spouse, Bassey Effiong for allegedly stealing $51,000 dollars (N76,174, 620) from her employer’s residence in the Lekki area of Lagos.
The Zonal Public Relations Officer (ZPRO), SP. Tunni Ayuba confirmed the arrest in a statement on Friday in Lagos.
She said that the operatives arrested the duo on January 31.
“Blessing was recommended for employment by an agent named Anthony and began working as a domestic staff on December 23, 2023.
“Only three days into her employment, she absconded with $51,000 and fled with her husband to Cross River State.
“Following intensive investigation, both suspects were apprehended on January 31,” she said.
Ayuba said that investigation revealed that Blessing gave false information to get the job.
“During the investigation, it was revealed that Blessing had approached Anthony under false pretences, providing misleading contact information and using registered phone numbers not associated with her identity.
“She failed to complete her employment application form, indicating her fraudulent intentions.
“Despite initially denying the full extent of stealing, Blessing eventually confessed to stealing $30,000 (N44,808,600), admitting to giving $20,000 (N29,872,400) to her husband, Bassey.
“Bassey, in turn confessed to receiving the stolen funds, part of which he used for settling his late mother’s medical bills, purchasing a tipper truck, two motorcycles, and completing a construction project in Cross River State,” she said.
According to her, both suspects have been charged and brought before the court following the completion of the investigation under the directive of Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the zone, Mr Olatoye Durosinmi.
Ayuba said that Durosinmi encouraged the public to exercise vigilance and conduct thorough background checks before hiring domestic staff for their safety and to prevent falling victim to criminal elements.
