By Efe Onodjae

Detectives from the Police Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (ZCID), Zone 2 Command Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos, have arrested a domestic staff, Blessing Effiong, and her spouse, Bassey Effiong, for allegedly stealing $51,000 from her employer’s residence in the Lekki area of Lagos.

The command stated that Blessing Effiong, recommended for employment by an agent named Anthony, began working as 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.

In a press release by the zonal police public relations officer, SP Ayuba Umma, it stated, “Following intensive investigation, both suspects were arrested on January 31st, 2024.

“During the investigation, it was revealed that Blessing Effiong had approached Anthony under false pretenses, 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.”