A 22-year-old woman, Miss Onyekachi Mmerichukwu, and a nurse have been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre over allegations of defrauding a man of N16.17 million through a fake pregnancy scheme and procuring an illegal abortion in Lagos.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, Simeon Akpanudom, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Thursday.
According to the AIG, the case followed a petition filed by one Mr Olajide, who accused Mmerichukwu, identified as his fiancée, of falsely claiming to be pregnant and collecting millions of naira from him for antenatal care, medical treatment and other pregnancy-related expenses.
Akpanudom said investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly obtained a total of N16.17 million from the complainant under the pretence of catering for the pregnancy.
He added that detectives subsequently arrested Mmerichukwu and a nurse attached to a private medical facility.
“The petitioner alleged that the suspect falsely represented to him that she was pregnant and subsequently obtained various sums of money from him under the guise of antenatal care, medical treatment and other pregnancy-related expenses. The total amount allegedly obtained is N16,170,000,” he said.
Preliminary findings, according to the police, showed that the pregnancy was later terminated at a hospital in the Ajah area of Lagos.
Akpanudom alleged that the abortion was carried out for personal reasons rather than medical necessity, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest the hospital’s medical director, who was said to have collaborated with the nurse in carrying out the procedure.
The two suspects have since been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending further investigation.
The AIG also highlighted reforms at the FCID Annex since assuming office on March 30, 2026, noting that the command had prioritised improving investigative capacity through training, infrastructure upgrades and collaboration with local and international partners.
He said 30 detectives recently underwent specialised training in cryptocurrency tracing and investigations in partnership with the United States Diplomatic Security Service, the Regional Security Office and the Internal Revenue Service through the US Consulate General in Lagos.
In addition, six officers received training sponsored by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund to enhance professionalism, ethics and inter-agency collaboration, while more personnel have been nominated for courses approved by the Inspector-General of Police.
Akpanudom also disclosed ongoing infrastructure projects at the FCID Annex, including the construction of a sentry post, installation of solar-powered lighting, office signage and renovation of holding cells.
He further announced the arrest of three suspected vandals accused of damaging telecommunication facilities and other critical infrastructure across Lagos.
The suspects, identified as Ezekiel Omoloye, Olaoluwa Shuwunmi and Olaleye Kehinde, were arrested with several items, including a locally made pistol, a live cartridge, solar batteries and panels, cutting tools, ropes, two tricycles and two vehicles believed to have been used in their operations.
- Dangote refinery eyes historic $2bn stock market debut - June 26, 2026
- State police bill clears major hurdle as 36 speakers back reform - June 26, 2026
- Woman, nurse remanded over N16m pregnancy scam - June 26, 2026
