A 33-year-old maid, Alice Udey, has been arrested by Lagos police for allegedly stealing jewelry worth over $60,000 from her employer, just hours after starting her job. The suspect and other gangs normally target wealth homes.
The maid who reportedly operates under multiple fake names, was taken into custody at the Ikoyi Police Station following a 16-month investigation.
According to the police, investigations revealed a sophisticated scheme involving domestic workers gaining access to homes under false pretenses. Udey disappeared the day after her employment began, taking valuable jewelry from her employer’s residence.
“This appears to be a calculated operation where individuals pose as domestic staff to infiltrate homes and steal valuables,” a senior police officer said. The police believe Udey’s actions are part of a wider syndicate operating in high end neighborhoods.
Alice Udey is expected to face charges of theft, with the possibility of additional charges as the investigation unfolds. The police are encouraging residents to report similar incidents.