Briton sues Nigerian housekeeper over missing jewellery worth N10m

Court

A Briton, Ilona Pinka, has filed a legal suit against an 18-year-old housekeeper, Vanessa Echane, for allegedly stealing N10 million worth of jewellery made of diamond and gold.

The housekeeper on Wednesday appeared before Magistrate Yewande Aje-Afunwa of Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on two charges of conspiracy and stealing.

She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Police prosecutor, Peter Nwangwu, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on April 22 around 11:00 am at the Victoria Island, Lagos residence of the complainant.

Mr Nwangwu alleged that the housekeeper alongside others broke into the Briton’s room, stole her items and disappeared with them.

He said that the complainant reported the case to the police who arrested the defendant after they had conducted their investigation.

He said the offences contravene Sections 287, (7) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Magistrate Yewande Aje-Afunwa granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.

Mrs Aje-Afunwa ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed and present evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government.

The case was adjourned to August 15 for mention.