A maid, Blessing Effiong, has been arrested for stealing $51,000 (about N81.6m), property of her boss.
The latter’s identity is being wrapped in secrecy by the police at Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos, who arrested Blessing alongside her husband, Bassey Effiong in Cross River State.
According to the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer (ZPPRO), SP Ayuba Umma, the theiving couple fled to the South-south State after Blessing committed the alleged crime at the Lekki residence of her boss on December 26, three days into her employment.
Having had a fraudulent intent, the maid used false identity and phone number not registered in her name to secure the job, and after stealing the said sum fled to Cross River to enjoy the loot with her spouse.
The aforesaid are contents of the statement Umma released in which it was made known that the couple were arrested on January 31 after sharing the loot and expended substantial part of it.
It was also added that the suspects have been charged to court.
“Blessing Effiong was recommended for employment by an agent named Anthony and began working as a domestic employee on December 23, 2023.
“Only three days into her employment, she absconded with $51,000 USD and fled with her husband to Cross River State.
“Following intensive investigation, both suspects were apprehended on January 31, 2024.
“During the investigation, it was revealed that Blessing Effiong 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 Effiong eventually confessed to stealing Thirty Thousand United States Dollars ($30,000 USD), admitting to giving Twenty Thousand United States Dollars ($20,000 USD) to her husband, Bassey Effiong.
“Bassey Effiong 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.
“Both suspects have been charged and brought before the court following the completion of the investigation under the directive of the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command. AIG Olatoye A. Durosinmi.
“AIG Durosinmi encourages members of 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,” Umma said.
