The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, has uncovered an alleged N16.17 million pregnancy scam and recorded major breakthroughs in the recovery of hundreds of counterfeit cosmetic products.

The AIG in charge of the FCID Annex, Mr. Simeon Akpanudom, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists on the department’s operational achievements between March 30 and June 25.

Akpanudom said the department had intensified efforts to combat economic crimes, fraud, human trafficking and attacks on critical national infrastructure.

According to him, one of the major cases under investigation involves allegations of obtaining money by false pretence, cheating, conspiracy and illegal procurement of abortion.

He said the case stemmed from a petition filed by a complainant who accused his fiancée, a 22-year-old woman, of falsely claiming to be pregnant and collecting money from him for antenatal care, medical treatment and other pregnancy-related expenses.

“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 said.

The AIG added that the suspect and a nurse attached to the facility had been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, while efforts were ongoing to arrest the medical director allegedly involved in the procedure. (NAN)