Newly Hired Domestic Staff Absconds with Employer’s $51,000 in Just 72 Hours

A domestic worker identified as Blessing and her husband, Bassey, were apprehended by the Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos State for allegedly stealing $51,000 from Blessing’s employer.

The arrest came after the employer filed a complaint with the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, leading to a swift investigation by the detectives from the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (ZCID) at the Zone 2 Command Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos.

According to the Zone 2 police spokesperson, SP Awal Ayuba, the incident occurred on January 31, 2024. Blessing, who was recommended for employment by an agent named Anthony, began working as a domestic staff on December 23, 2023. However, within just three days of her employment, she absconded with $51,000 and fled to Cross River State with her husband.

Further investigations revealed that Blessing had deceived the agent, providing false contact information and using unregistered phone numbers. She failed to complete her employment application form, indicating fraudulent intentions from the start.

Despite initially denying the extent of the theft, Blessing eventually confessed to stealing $30,000 and admitted to giving $20,000 to her husband, Bassey. Bassey, in turn, confessed to receiving the stolen funds, disclosing that he used part of it to settle his late mother’s medical bills, purchase a Tipper Truck, Two Motorcycles, and complete 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 AIG Olatoye Durosinmi, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command.

AIG Durosinmi urged the public to exercise vigilance and conduct thorough background checks before hiring domestic staff to ensure their safety and prevent falling victim to criminal elements.