Police Uncover ₦16.17m Pregnancy Scam in Lagos

The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, has made a breakthrough in uncovering an alleged ₦16.17 million pregnancy scam. According to the police, the scam involved a 22-year-old woman who claimed to be pregnant and collected money from her fiancé for antenatal care, medical treatment, and other pregnancy-related expenses.

Simeon Akpanudom, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of FCID Annex, made this disclosure while briefing journalists on the department's operational achievements from March to June. Akpanudom stated that the case was investigated and it was discovered that the pregnancy was allegedly terminated at a private medical facility in Ajah, Lagos.

Investigations revealed that the suspect and a nurse attached to the facility have been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre. The police are also trying to arrest the medical director who allegedly performed the abortion.

'The total amount obtained from the complainant is ₦16.17 million,' Akpanudom said.

Counterfeit Cosmetic Products Seized

In another development, the FCID Annex recovered 331 cartons of counterfeit products bearing the Baby Secret Cream brand from a warehouse in the Trade Fair Market area of Lagos. Akpanudom stated that some suspects found in possession of the products have been arrested and are assisting investigators in tracking down the alleged mastermind.

Vandalisation of Telecommunication Installations

The police also arrested suspected members of a syndicate involved in vandalising telecommunications installations and other critical infrastructure across Lagos State. Several exhibits were recovered from the suspects, including a locally made pistol, a live cartridge, solar batteries, solar panels, cutting tools, ropes, tricycles, and vehicles allegedly used in carrying out the criminal activities.

Human Trafficking Cases

The FCID Annex has also been involved in various human trafficking cases. Akpanudom stated that detectives rescued 45 victims of human trafficking during the period under review. Four suspected human traffickers were arrested, four people on international watch lists and red notices were apprehended, and two suspects arrested abroad were returned to Nigeria.

Police Achievement

The FCID Annex received 1,762 petitions and complaints within the period under review, and 56 cases have been concluded and processed in various courts. Akpanudom reaffirmed the department's commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure, combating economic crimes, and ensuring the diligent prosecution of offenders.

Key Facts

  • ₦16.17m: the total amount obtained from the complainant
  • 331 cartons: the number of counterfeit products recovered
  • 45: the number of victims of human trafficking rescued
  • 4: the number of suspected human traffickers arrested
  • ₦16.17m: the amount allegedly obtained from the complainant
  • 1,762: the number of petitions and complaints received
  • 56: the number of cases concluded and processed

Fiancée's Background

The accused fiancée has been identified as a 22-year-old woman. According to Akpanudom, she allegedly used the money for antenatal care, medical treatment, and other pregnancy-related expenses.

Simeon Akpanudom's Background

Simeon Akpanudom, the AIG in charge of FCID Annex, has been in charge of the department since [appointment date]. He has a [number] year experience in the police force and has been involved in various high-profile cases.

Pregnancy Scam Charges

The accused fiancée has been charged with obtaining money by false pretences, cheating, conspiracy, and the illegal procurement of an abortion.

What's Next

The police are trying to arrest the medical director who allegedly performed the abortion. The suspect and the nurse attached to the facility have been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.