A Camerounian ex-beauty queen, Carole Balmain, has accused her 27-year-old housemaid, identified simply as Christiana, of stealing her $10, 000 (N1.49m).
She said Christiana, who had been living with her for the past two and half years, took the money from her apartment on December 7, 2010.
Balmain, who won the Miss Cameroun beauty pageant few years ago, said that she received the money in the evening and had planned to lodge it into her bank account the next day, adding that she was shocked when she discovered that the money was missing.
Balmain said she initially reported at Ikoyi Police station but the matter was presently being handled by Area F, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
“Chinyer’s sister has been threatening to kidnap me and demand N500,000 ransom before I would be releasedo. The girl and her sister, who were living in my boys’ quarters, left and rented a three-bedroom flat for N600,000. I am happy with the Nigeria Police Force for its efforts in handling the matter,” she said.
Balmain said that Chinenye denied taking the money but expressed hope that the matter would be taken to court after the police had concluded their investigation.
She regretted that Chinenye, who she treated like a sister, could steal her money, adding that even when she was not at home, she allowed the housemaid access to her bedroom.
Balmain wondered who would have stolen the money when Chinenye was the only person around with her and who had knowledge that she brought in money.
Besides, the ex-beauty queen said there was no incidence of burglary, adding that her children, who were also at home when she brought in the money, were minors.
She said the housemaid left the house without informing her even when she had not been accused of stealing the money.
Balmain, “The girl fled when she noticed that I have begun a search for the money. She was nowhere to be found. But I have a detailed information about her. I reported the matter to the police; she was apprehended on Sunday by the police from Ikeja at Protea Hotel, Ikeja GRA, where her sister is working.
“Chinenye is claiming that she does not have knowledge of the missing money. But I will do whatever is necessary to get my money back.
“I am prepared for her. If she does not want to tell the truth and return my money, she will go to jail. I don’t want to sound unruly, what I need now is my money.”
She added that she would use every legal mean to get her money back, adding that it was unfortunate for a working mother to go through this sort of ordeal.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, said he had not been briefed on the issue. But he promised that the command would give the ex-beauty queen all the necessary assistance provided her case was genuine.
However, a source at Area F confirmed that the matter was being investigated, adding that ”we will take the necessary steps after we have concluded our investigation.”
Source:http://www.punchng.com
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