A 33-year-old woman, Alice Udey, has been remanded in police custody by the Ebute-Metta Magistrate Court in Lagos, following her arrest in connection with the theft of over $60,000 worth of jewellery. Udey, who had been employed as a maid for less than a day, is accused of stealing valuable items from her former employer and others. Chief Magistrate Nike Olagbende adjourned the case until December 19 for further hearings, while prosecutors plan to amend the charges as more victims come forward.
The prosecution’s case against Udey grew stronger with the testimony of additional complainants, including Mrs. Theresa Isemene, a 68-year-old woman who reported that her iPad went missing after hiring Udey. Several other individuals have also claimed that money and personal belongings were stolen soon after they employed the suspect. The police are now investigating whether Udey is part of a larger syndicate of criminals posing as domestic workers to rob unsuspecting homeowners in affluent areas.
Udey’s arrest follows an extensive 16-month investigation led by the Ikoyi Police Station. Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that Udey was apprehended after being on the run for more than a year. She was reportedly able to secure her positions with various employers through legitimate channels, making it difficult for victims to suspect her intentions until the thefts occurred.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are looking into whether Udey operated alone or as part of a more elaborate scheme. The fact that she was able to target multiple households in a short time has raised concerns about the security vulnerabilities in the domestic worker hiring process. Investigators are focusing on her movements and the connections she may have had with other potential suspects.
With the police continuing to gather evidence, Udey remains in custody as they prepare for further proceedings. The case has sparked a wider conversation about the growing risks of hiring domestic staff in high-end neighbourhoods, urging homeowners to exercise more caution when selecting employees to safeguard their properties.
