Lagos Police Charge Woman with Fraud Over Failed Marriage Promise

Woman Faces Prosecution for Collecting N2.8m from Suitor, Not Marrying Him

“Effiong unlawfully cheated the complainant, Dominic Asuquo, by obtaining the sum of N2,866,000..."

Lagos tailor, Victoria Effiong, faces charges for allegedly scamming suitor out of N2.8m after pretending to agree to marriage.

A 25-year-old Lagos tailor, Victoria Effiong, was arraigned at the Iba Magistrates' Court on October 4, for allegedly deceiving a suitor. Effiong is accused of collecting N2.8 million and other items from the suitor under the pretense of marrying him, but failed to fulfill her promise.

The police charged Effiong with three counts: breach of peace, cheating, and obtaining by false pretense. Prosecutor Inspector Chinedu Njoku told the court that the incident occurred on September 25 at 10 am on Ajanaku Street, Isashi.

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

Prosecutor Inspector Chinedu Njoku revealed that Victoria Effiong received numerous gifts from Asuquo during their relationship, including:

• An iPhone valued at N240,000
• Clothing, wristwatch, shoes, and bags worth N350,000
• Cash sum of N810,000
• Daily expenses totaling N868,000 for seven months

However, their relationship turned sour when Asuquo discovered Effiong's plans to marry another man, despite being introduced to her parents and ostensibly being in a committed relationship.

“Effiong also withdrew N300,000 from Asuquo's Automated Teller Machine (ATM) account for shopping,” Njoku added.

Victoria Effiong, the defendant, appeared before Magistrate O.M. Ogun and pleaded not guilty to the charges. In her defense, Effiong disputed the allegations, stating that she was never in a romantic relationship with Asuquo.

Effiong acknowledged receiving gifts from Asuquo, including an iPhone (N240,000), a smaller phone (N20,000), and other items. However, she clarified that she had informed Asuquo about her existing relationship with someone else and requested him to stop sending her money due to discomfort.

The prosecutor, Inspector Chinedu Njoku, stated that Effiong's actions are punishable under Sections 168, (1d), 322, and 314 (2) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.

Magistrate O. M. Ogun granted Effiong a bail of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum, ruling that “One of the sureties must be a blood relative, show proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government, and have their address verified.” The case has been adjourned until November 28, 2024, for mention.

Case Details:

Defendant: Victoria Effiong

Offences: Breach of peace, cheating, and obtaining by false pretense

Bail: N200,000 with two sureties

Adjournment: November 28, 2024.