The Lagos State Police [/b]Command has successfully apprehended Blessing Effiong, a househelp, accused of stealing $51,000 from her employer just three days after commencing her duties in Lekki, Lagos State.
The arrest, which occurred on January 31, was made in response to a petition filed by the victim, whose identity is currently protected by the police.
Zonal Police Public Relation Officer (ZPRO), SP Ayuba Umma, confirmed the arrest and revealed that Blessing had been recommended for employment by an agent identified only as Anthony. Commencing her duties as a domestic staff on December 23, 2023, Blessing reportedly absconded with the significant sum belonging to her employer and fled to Cross River State along with her husband within just three days of her employment.
Detectives from the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (ZCID) Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan Lagos, successfully apprehended both Blessing and her husband at their hideout in Cross River State.
The police revealed that Blessing had deceived Anthony during the employment process by providing false information, including using registered phone numbers not associated with her identity. Moreover, she failed to complete her employment application form.
SP Ayuba stated, “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."
Despite initially denying the full extent of the theft, Blessing eventually confessed to stealing $30,000 (N44,808,600), admitting to giving $20,000 (N29,872,400) to her husband, Bassey. In his confession, Bassey acknowledged receiving the stolen funds, part of which he utilized for settling his late mother’s medical bills, purchasing a tipper truck, two motorcycles, and completing a construction project in Cross River.