27th May, 2015
A 28-year-old housekeeper, Hope Hazhi, was on Wednesday brought before a Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing her employer’s jewellery worth N15 million.
Hazhi, who gave her residential address as Akpako House, Ipare area of Lekki, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
But the prosecutor, ASP Chidi Okoye told the court that Hazhi committed the offences with others still at large on April 30 at No. 10, Susan Oji St., Ikota Royal Estate, Ajah, on Lekki-Epe Expressway.
According to Okoye, the housekeeper stole a Audmairs Piguet rose gold wristwatch, diamond earrings, and a gold necklace, all valued at N15million, property of her employer, Mrs Tamaratari Owffefere.
“When the complainant noticed that her jewellery were missing, she confronted the accused who confessed to the theft of the items.
“Hazhi admitted to her employer that after stealing the jewellery, she handed over the stolen items to one Uche, her lover and his friend, one Paul who are currently at large,” Okoye said.
According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 285(7) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
NAN reports that Section 285(7) recommends seven years imprisonment for stealing from one’s employer.
The Chief Magistrate, Miss Abimbola Awogboro, granted the housekeeper bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to June 29 for mention.