Maid docked for allegedly stealing jewellery worth N10m

A 29-year-old maid, Blessing Effiong, on Monday appeared before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing jewellery worth N10 million from her employer.

Effiong, a resident of Mushin area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and breach of peace, to which she pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Insp Modupe Olaluwoye, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on June 21, 2021, at Openi Area of Lagos.

She said that the defendant worked as a maid for the complainant, Mrs Folakemi Obasunloye, for three months but absconded with her jewellery valued at N10 million.

Olaluwoye said that the defendant stole 11 gold ear rings, five Italian gold necklaces, five Italian gold bracelets, 20 foreign gold pendants, four gold rings, and an assorted pack of gold earrings.

She said that the offences contravened sections 168 (d) and 287 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 (1) stipulates three years imprisonment for the offence of stealing, while breach of peace carries three months jail term.

Chief Magistrate Linda Balogun admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.

She directed that both sureties must be residing within the court’s jurisdiction and be gainfully employed with evidence of three years tax payment to Lagos State Government.

Balogun further held that the sureties must also show proof of employment and source of income, and must have their home and office addresses verified by the court.

The chief magistrate adjourned the case till March 16, for mention. (NAN)