Housekeeper faces trial over alleged theft of employer’s property worth N1.12 m

A 24-year-old housekeeper, Loveth Oriaku, on Monday appeared before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos charged with stealing three boxes of jewellery worth N250,000.

The accused is also facing trial for allegedly stealing 2,100 dollars, 700 pound s, 450 Euros ,1,800 ands and N75,000, all valued at N1.12 million.

Oriaku, who resides at No.7, Ishau Adewale St., Surulere , Lagos residence of her employer, is facing a charge of stealing.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Jimah Iseghede, told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 27 at the same address.

He said that the accused entered into her employer ‘s room , one Mrs Fedelia Ochulor, and stole her three boxes of jewelry and money.

“The complainant said that her son, a witness in the case, told her that he saw the accused when he was entering her room while she went out.

“When the witness confronted the accused, she said that the complainant told her to clean the room,” Iseghede said.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes three years’ imprisonment for stealing.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr A.F. Adeeyo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N300,000, with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till May 5 for mention.