Police Arrest Housemaid Suspected of $60,000 Jewelry Theft After 16-Month Search

Police have arrested a 33-year-old woman posing as a housemaid for allegedly stealing over $60,000 worth of jewelry from her employer after less than 24 hours on the job.

On Sunday, October 27, Ms. Alice Udey, who is believed to use several false names, was apprehended at the Ikoyi Police Station in Lagos in connection with a theft that occurred more than a year ago, according to police officials.

Prior to her arrest, law enforcement conducted a thorough 16-month investigation that revealed what authorities believe to be an organized crime ring targeting wealthy households in Nigeria.

According to police, Udey secured her position as a domestic worker after being hired from an agency.

According to police reports, Udey obtained her job as a domestic worker through seemingly legitimate channels. However, she vanished the following day, taking valuable jewelry belonging to her employer with her.

“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 requested to remain anonymous because of the ongoing investigation.

“We believe Ms. Udey is part of a larger syndicate that has been operating in high-brow areas.”

The breakthrough in the case followed months of surveillance and intelligence gathering, culminating in Udey’s arrest.

Police are 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 strive to dismantle what they believe is an organized criminal enterprise targeting affluent neighborhoods.

The suspect is expected to face theft charges, with additional charges possible as the investigation unfolds.