Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A 22-year-old woman, Miss Onyekachi Mmerichukwu, and a nurse have been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos over allegations of defrauding a man of N16.17 million through a fake pregnancy scheme and procuring an illegal abortion, police authorities have disclosed.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, Simeon Akpanudom, made this known on Thursday, June 25, 2026, while briefing journalists on the department’s operational achievements between March 30 and June 25. According to the AIG, the case originated from a petition filed by one Mr Olajide, who accused Mmerichukwu, identified as his fiancée, of falsely claiming to be pregnant and collecting large sums of money from him for antenatal care, medical treatment, and other pregnancy-related expenses.
“The petitioner alleged that the suspect falsely represented to him that she was pregnant and subsequently obtained various sums of money from him under the guise of antenatal care, medical treatment, and other pregnancy-related expenses. The total amount allegedly obtained is N16,170,000,” Akpanudom stated. Discreet investigations led detectives to arrest Mmerichukwu and a nurse attached to a private medical facility. Preliminary findings revealed that the pregnancy was later terminated at a hospital in the Ajah area of Lagos. The AIG alleged that the abortion was carried out at about five months’ gestation for personal reasons rather than medical necessity. “Investigations revealed that the pregnancy was allegedly terminated at about five months’ gestation at a private medical facility in Ajah, Lagos,” he said.
Akpanudom further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the medical director of the hospital, who was alleged to have collaborated with the nurse in carrying out the illegal procedure. “The two suspects have been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre while the investigation is ongoing to arrest the medical director of the suspect hospital, who admittedly procured the illegal abortion in conjunction with the nurse,” he added.
The case underscores the growing sophistication of fraud schemes in Nigeria, where personal relationships are exploited for financial gain. The police have urged the public to exercise caution and verify claims of pregnancy or medical emergencies before making substantial financial commitments. The two suspects will face charges of obtaining money by false pretences, cheating, conspiracy, and illegal procurement of abortion once investigations are concluded. The medical director remains at large, and the police have assured the public that efforts to apprehend him are ongoing.
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