Woman, nurse remanded over alleged N16.17m fake pregnancy, abortion fraud in Lagos

A 22-year-old woman and a nurse have been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos over their alleged involvement in a N16.17 million pregnancy and abortion fraud uncovered by operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos.

The suspects were arraigned following investigations into allegations that the young woman falsely claimed to be pregnant and obtained millions of naira from her boyfriend under the guise of antenatal care, medical treatment, and other pregnancy-related expenses.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the FCID Annex, Lagos, Simeon Akpanudom, disclosed the development on Thursday while briefing journalists on the command’s operational achievements recorded between March 30 and June 25.

According to Akpanudom, the case originated from a petition submitted by the complainant, who alleged that his girlfriend repeatedly requested funds for pregnancy-related medical needs over an extended period.

The AIG said investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly collected a total of N16.17 million from the complainant through various requests linked to her purported pregnancy.

He explained that detectives uncovered evidence suggesting that the pregnancy was allegedly terminated at about five months gestation at a private medical facility located in the Ajah area of Lagos.

“One of the major cases under investigation by the FCID involves allegations of obtaining money by false pretence, cheating, conspiracy, and illegal procurement of abortion,” Akpanudom stated.

“The total amount obtained from the complainant is N16.17 million. Investigations revealed that the pregnancy was allegedly terminated at about five months’ gestation at a private medical facility in Ajah, Lagos.”

He disclosed that both the woman and a nurse attached to the medical facility have been remanded pending the continuation of legal proceedings.

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The police chief added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the medical director of the facility, who is also alleged to have played a role in the procedure.

Akpanudom also revealed that the FCID is investigating a major counterfeiting case involving the alleged illegal importation and production of fake cosmetic products.

The investigation followed a petition submitted by Flawless Cosmetics over the circulation of counterfeit products bearing the Baby Secret Cream brand.

According to the AIG, detectives raided a warehouse in the Trade Fair Market area of Lagos, where they recovered 331 cartons of fake Baby Secret Cream products.

He said several suspects found in possession of the counterfeit items were arrested and are currently assisting investigators in identifying and locating the alleged mastermind behind the operation.

The FCID boss further disclosed that operatives recently arrested suspected members of a criminal syndicate accused of vandalising telecommunications installations and other critical infrastructure across Lagos State.

He said a number of exhibits were recovered during the operation, including a locally fabricated pistol, a live cartridge, solar batteries, solar panels, cutting equipment, ropes, tricycles, and vehicles allegedly used by the suspects.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the recovered items were used in the vandalism of telecommunication installations and other critical infrastructure across Lagos State,” Akpanudom said.

He noted that investigations are continuing, while efforts are underway to arrest other members of the syndicate who remain at large.

Highlighting achievements in the fight against human trafficking and transnational crimes, the AIG disclosed that INTERPOL operatives attached to the FCID rescued 45 victims of human trafficking during the review period.

According to him, four suspected traffickers were arrested, while four individuals listed on international watchlists and Red Notices were apprehended.

He further revealed that two suspects arrested abroad were successfully returned to Nigeria to face investigation and prosecution.

Providing an overview of the command’s activities, Akpanudom said the FCID Annex received a total of 1,762 petitions and complaints between March and June 2026.

He added that 56 cases had been concluded and processed in various courts across the country during the period under review.

The police chief reaffirmed the commitment of the FCID to combating economic crimes, protecting critical national infrastructure, tackling organised criminal networks, and ensuring diligent prosecution of offenders.