A 33-year-old maid, Alice Udey, has been remanded in police custody by the Ebute-Metta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State, Nigeria.
Udey is the prime suspect in the alleged theft of jewelry valued at $60,000 belonging to her former employer and others. The court adjourned till December 19 for further proceedings.
According to prosecutors, Udey secured her position as a maid through seemingly legitimate channels, only to steal over $60,000 worth of jewelry just hours after being hired.
The police are investigating whether Udey is part of a syndicate posing as domestic workers to gain unauthorized access to homes in affluent neighborhoods.
Prosecutors are seeking to amend the initial charges following testimony from more complainants, including 68-year-old Mrs. Theresa Isemene, who reported her iPad stolen after hiring Udey for less than 24 hours. Others also reported that their money and valuables went missing days after hiring the suspect.
Udey’s arrest was confirmed by Lagos Police Command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, a Superintendent of Police, in October.
She was arrested by investigators from Ikoyi Police Station, Lagos, after a 16-month search.
The case has sparked concerns about the safety and security of homes in Lagos, particularly those that employ domestic workers.
The police are urging residents to be cautious when hiring domestic staff and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
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Jerome Kalu
Jerome Kalu is currently the Senior Correspondent of PIJAlance in Lagos. He was previously the Campus Information Desk (CID) Editor.