Lagos maid who stole $60,000 jewellery arrested

• Investigators believe Udey, who goes by several other fake Alias, is part of a bigger criminal network.

The police in Lagos State say they have arrested a 33-year-old woman for allegedly stealing jewellery worth over $60,000 from her employer.

The suspect, Ms Alice Udey, was said to have stolen the jewellery less than 24 hours she started working as with her new boss.

Investigators believe Udey, who goes by several other fake Alias, is part of a bigger criminal network.

She is being detained at the Ikoyi Police Station, Lagos, in connection with the theft that occurred over a year ago.

The arrest comes after an extensive and painstaking 16-month manhunt following the incident that has exposed what authorities suspect is an organised crime ring targeting affluent households in posh neighbourhoods.

According to police reports, Udey had secured employment as a domestic worker through what appeared to be legitimate channels. However, she disappeared the next day along with valuable jewellery belonging to her employer.

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“This appears to be a well-orchestrated scheme where suspects pose as domestic workers to gain access to homes,” said a senior police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. “We believe Ms. Udey is part of a larger syndicate that has been operating in high-brow areas.”

The breakthrough case came after months of surveillance and intelligence gathering, leading to Udey’s arrest. Police said they were currently working to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.

Investigators at the Ikoyi Police Station are urging anyone with information about similar incidents to come forward as they work to dismantle what they believe is an organised criminal enterprise targeting wealthy neighbourhoods.

The suspect is expected to face charges related to theft, with additional charges possible as the investigation continues