Victoria Effiong, a 25-year-old tailor, was arraigned in a Lagos State Magistrates’ Court in Iba on Friday for allegedly failing to marry a suitor after accepting N2.8 million from him. Effiong is facing three counts related to breach of peace, cheating, and obtaining by false pretenses.
The prosecution, led by Inspector Chinedu Njoku, informed the court that the incident took place on September 25, 2024, at 10 a.m. on Ajanaku Street in Isashi. Njoku stated that Effiong unlawfully deceived the complainant, Dominic Asuquo, by receiving the sum of N2,866,000 under the pretext of agreeing to marry him, only to renege on her promise.
The court heard that during their relationship, Effiong also accepted an iPhone worth N240,000, as well as clothing, a wristwatch, shoes, and bags totaling N350,000. Additionally, Asuquo reportedly gave Effiong cash payments amounting to N810,000 and daily feeding allowances of N4,000, which totaled N868,000 over seven months. Effiong is also accused of withdrawing N300,000 from Asuquo’s ATM account for shopping.
The matter escalated when Asuquo discovered that Effiong was allegedly planning to marry another man, despite having introduced Asuquo to her parents, who were aware of their relationship. However, Effiong denied the allegations, claiming that Asuquo was aware of her other relationship. She acknowledged receiving the iPhone and other items but insisted that she had asked Asuquo to stop sending her money because she felt uncomfortable with it.
According to the prosecutor, the offenses are punishable under Sections 168 (1d), 322, and 314 (2) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015. Effiong pleaded not guilty to the charges before Magistrate Mrs. O. M. Ogun, who granted her bail of N200,000 with two sureties in a similar amount. One of the sureties must be a blood relative, provide proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government, and have their address verified.
The case has been adjourned until November 28, 2024, for further mention.
