N2.8M Love Scam: Lagos Tailor Arraigned for Defrauding Suitor

A Lagos-based tailor, Victoria Effiong, 25, appeared in court on Friday, facing charges of defrauding a suitor, Dominic Asuquo, of N2.8 million under the guise of marriage.

Prosecutor Inspector Chinedu Njoku told the court that Effiong accepted substantial financial support from Asuquo, including cash, gifts, and a daily feeding allowance, only to plan a wedding with another man.

“Effiong unlawfully cheated the complainant by obtaining the sum of N2,866,000 under the pretext of agreeing to marry him, but she failed to follow through,” Njoku stated.

Asuquo alleged that Effiong received, N1.468 million in cash, an iPhone valued at N240,000, clothing, and accessories, a daily feeding allowance of N4,000 for seven months, and N300,000 withdrawn from his ATM account for shopping.

“I was deceived by her promises of marriage,” Asuquo said in court. “She took advantage of my love and trust.”

Effiong denied the charges, claiming she never agreed to marry Asuquo and had asked him to stop sending money.

“I told him to stop sending me money, but he continued,” Effiong said in her defense. “I never promised to marry him.”

Magistrate O. M. Ogun granted Effiong bail of N200,000 with two sureties.

“The accused is granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties, who must be blood relatives and provide proof of tax payment,” Magistrate Ogun ruled.

The case was prosecuted under Sections 168, 322, and 314 of the Lagos State Criminal Laws of 2015.

A lot of people have made numerous comments on X concerning the recent occurrence.

“This is a classic case of ‘gold-digging.'” – @LagosResident

“I feel sorry for the guy. He was blinded by love.” – @NaijaObserver

“Women can be wicked too. This is a lesson to all men.” – @BamideleOjo

“Love scams are becoming increasingly common,” said relationship expert, Mrs. Tolani Shittu. “People need to be cautious when entering relationships.”