31-Year-Old Woman Arrested Over Alleged N105m Rental, Commodity Fraud in Lagos
By The People’s Voice Nigeria News
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 31-year-old woman, Achumba Jennifer, over her alleged involvement in a rental and commodity fraud amounting to about N105 million in the Ajah area of Lagos.
The suspect was accused of defrauding no fewer than 13 prospective tenants of approximately N35 million by posing as the owner of a four-bedroom duplex located at 10 Charles Onyebe Street, Divine Homes, Thomas Estate, Ajah.
According to victims, the suspect collected varying sums of money from accommodation seekers who believed they were securing rental units in the property. The payments were reportedly made into her bank account within a two-week period.
Trouble began when there was a prolonged delay in handing over the keys to the apartments. The situation escalated after multiple individuals arrived at the property, each claiming to have paid for the same apartment.
It was then that the victims discovered that several people had allegedly been allocated the same residence.
One of the victims said the number of complainants initially appeared smaller.
“When the matter got to the police, we did not know the victims were up to 13 until more people came forward with proof of payment. As of now, the number may have risen to 15, and more could still come forward,” the victim said.
The suspect is currently being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, where she is undergoing investigation and interrogation.
In a related allegation, Jennifer was also accused of defrauding her immediate neighbour of over N70 million after claiming she had connections to a supplier in the northern part of Nigeria who could provide parboiled rice at a discounted rate. The deal reportedly turned out to be fraudulent.
The alleged offences include conspiracy, advance fee fraud, impersonation, and breach of trust, resulting in significant financial losses.
Police sources said the suspect allegedly confessed to the crimes, attributing her actions to financial hardship following her separation from her husband. She reportedly claimed she needed money to care for her sick child and pleaded to be released, promising to raise funds to refund the victims.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCID, Mr Dayo Akinbisehin, confirmed that the suspect is being investigated and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
