By Deborah Akpede
The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, has uncovered an alleged N16.17 million pregnancy scam and recorded major breakthroughs in the recovery of hundreds of counterfeit cosmetic products.
The AIG in charge of the FCID Annex, Mr Simeon Akpanudom, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists on the department’s operational achievements between March 30 and June 25.
Akpanudom said the department had intensified efforts to combat economic crimes, fraud, human trafficking and attacks on critical national infrastructure.
According to him, one of the major cases under investigation involves allegations of obtaining money by false pretence, cheating, conspiracy and illegal procurement of abortion.
He said the case stemmed from a petition filed by a complainant who accused his fiancée, a 22-year-old woman, of falsely claiming to be pregnant and collecting money from him for antenatal care, medical treatment and other pregnancy-related expenses.
“The total amount obtained from the complainant is N16.17 million.
“Investigations revealed that the pregnancy was allegedly terminated at about five months’ gestation at a private medical facility in Ajah, Lagos,” he said.
The AIG added that the suspect and a nurse attached to the facility had been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, while efforts were ongoing to arrest the medical director allegedly involved in the procedure.
Akpanudom also disclosed that detectives were investigating a case of alleged illegal importation and counterfeiting of Baby Secret Cream following a petition by Flawless Cosmetics.
The police boss said investigators recovered 331 cartons of counterfeit products branded as Baby Secret Cream from a warehouse in the Trade Fair Market area of Lagos.
According to him, some suspects found in possession of the products have been arrested and are assisting investigators in tracking down the alleged mastermind behind the operation.
The FCID boss further revealed that operatives arrested suspected members of a syndicate involved in vandalising telecommunications installations and other critical infrastructure across Lagos State.
He said several exhibits were recovered from the suspects, including a locally made pistol, a live cartridge, solar batteries, solar panels, cutting tools, ropes, tricycles and vehicles allegedly used in carrying out the criminal activities.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the recovered items were used in the vandalism of telecommunication installations and other critical infrastructure across Lagos State,” he said.
Akpanudom said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate before their prosecution.
The AIG also highlighted the department’s achievements in combating human trafficking and transnational crimes.
He disclosed that INTERPOL operatives attached to the FCID rescued 45 victims of human trafficking during the period under review.
According to him, four human trafficking suspects were arrested, four persons on international watchlists and Red Notices were apprehended, while two suspects arrested abroad were returned to Nigeria.
Akpanudom said the FCID Annex received 1,762 petitions and complaints within the review period, adding that 56 cases had been concluded and processed in various courts.
He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure, combating economic crimes and ensuring diligent prosecution of offenders.
The AIG urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with credible and actionable information to enhance crime prevention and improve public safety across the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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