Maid leads gang to rob employer of N2.8m

For allegedly robbing Esther Okanlawon of N2.8 million at her home in the Mushin area of Lagos State, three people have been charged in front of a Yaba Magistrates' Court in Lagos State.

Three counts of conspiracy, armed robbery, and unlawful conversion were brought against the three defendants, Pius Sunday, 28, Cynthia Ikade, 19, and Loveth Uloko, 20.

It was reported that Ikade, a maid who worked for Okanlawon at her home in Mushin, abruptly informed Okanlawon that she was no longer interested in the position.

The agent through which she was employed was allegedly called by her employer, but the latter was unreachable.

The teen then demanded to be picked up from the house by Sunday, who she claimed to be her brother.

After that, Sunday urged the woman to call him whenever she needed a different maid to take Ikade's place, claiming that he was also an agent, as they were leaving the house with Ikade.

PUNCH After three months, Okanlawon reportedly called him to ask him to send another maid, as he had already sent Uloko.

On October 10, 2022, Sunday, Ikade, and Henry—one of whom is still at large—allegedly broke into the woman's home and robbed the family with the assistance of Uloko, who is accused of opening the gate and kitchen back door for them.

Three counts were used to arraign the defendants.

The charges read in part, “That you, Pius Sunday, Ikade Cynthia, Loveth Uloko, and one other at large, on or before October 10, 2022, at Isiaka Nade Street, Mushin, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, while in the service of the victim, as an agent to housemaids, did intentionally arm yourselves with a locally-made gun and a knife and robbed Mrs Esther Okanlawon and her two visitors of the sum of 2,150,000, a wedding ring valued at N300,000, 500 pounds, 170 US dollars, 100 Canadian dollars, a handbag valued at 15 pounds and other valuables, all property of Esther Okanlawon and her family, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 297 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.”

The defendants' plea was not taken.

Godwin Oriabure, the prosecutor, pleaded for the three defendants to be held in custody for 30 days while the Directorate of Public Prosecutions obtains legal counsel.

A. O. Salawu, the Chief Magistrate presiding, postponed the case until February 9, 2023, in order to seek legal counsel.

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