Police Charge Tailor for Refusing Marriage After Accepting Gifts

The police have charged a tailor who allegedly refused to marry a man after accepting a wig and phone. Learn more about the circumstances surrounding this case.

Victoria Effiong, a 25-year-old tailor, appeared before the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court in Iba on Friday, October 4, 2024.

Effiong is being charged with breach of peace, fraud, and obtaining money under false pretenses after allegedly refusing to marry a suitor despite receiving N2.8 million from him.

The incident occurred on September 25, 2024, at approximately 10 a.m. on Ajanaku Street in Isashi, according to Inspector Chinedu Njoku of the police prosecution team.

The suitor alleged that Effiong accepted both the money and other gifts but subsequently withdrew from the marriage agreement.

Effiong deceptively took N2,866,000 from the complainant, Dominic Asuquo, by falsely promising to marry him but did not fulfill this commitment.

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The prosecutor additionally informed the court that during her relationship with Asuquo, the defendant acquired an iPhone valued at N240,000 and various clothing items, a wristwatch, shoes, and bags totaling N350,000.

He also mentioned that the complainant provided the defendant with a cash amount of N810,000 and additional daily food expenses totaling N868,000 over seven months.

The situation escalated when Asuquo found out that Effiong intended to marry another man, even though he had already been introduced to her parents and they were aware of their relationship.

“According to Njoku, Effiong additionally withdrew N300,000 from Asuquo’s ATM account for shopping.”

The defendant, arraigned before Magistrate Mrs. O. M. Ogun, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

Effiong defended herself by denying any romantic involvement with Asuquo, stating that he was aware she was seeing someone else. While acknowledging receiving the iPhone, a smaller phone valued at N20,000, money, and other items from him, she emphasized that she had asked Asuquo to stop sending her money because it made her uncomfortable.

The prosecutor stated that the crimes committed fall under Sections 168 (1d), 322, and 314 (2) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of 2015.

However, Magistrate Ogun granted her bail set at N200,000, requiring two sureties of the same amount.

The magistrate ruled that one of the guarantors must be a blood relative, provide evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government, and have their address verified.

The case was postponed to November 28, 2024, for mention.