CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 25-year-old woman, Musa Zainab Abeke, was arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ejigbo over allegations of obtaining N420,000 under the pretense of providing a herbal remedy to help a woman conceive a baby.
According to the charge sheet marked No. M/17/1381/2026, the incident occurred on July 21, 2026, at about 11:00am at Ijegun, Ikotun, Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The Commissioner of Police alleged in Count 1 that Abeke obtained the sum of N420,000.00 from one Deborah Olukoya under the pretense that she would provide her with “herb that will make her conceive,” an assertion the prosecution said she knew to be false. The offence was said to be punishable under Section 314 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.
In Count 2, the prosecution further alleged that on the same date, time and place, Abeke stole and converted the same N420,000, property of Deborah Olukoya, to her own use. This is punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, ASP Simon Njue, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.
The presiding Magistrate, Miss F.R. Ogunkoyode granted her bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when she will perfect her bail conditions.
The Investigating Police Officer listed was Inspector Faith Ikhide of Idimu Police Station, DCB Section. The case was handled under CSP Oni Waheed.
Cases involving claims of “pregnancy herbs,” spiritual solutions, and fertility treatments are not uncommon in Lagos. Medical experts and consumer protection agencies have repeatedly warned the public to be cautious of unregulated remedies and to seek care from licensed healthcare professionals and fertility specialists. They advise that individuals experiencing challenges with conception should visit accredited hospitals and fertility clinics for proper medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment rather than relying on products or services that are not approved by relevant health authorities.
Consumer protection officials also caution residents to verify the identity of persons offering medical or herbal services and to demand proper documentation before making any payments. They note that promises of guaranteed results, especially concerning health and fertility, should be treated with care and cross-checked with professionals.
Legal experts say that obtaining money under false pretenses and conversion of property are serious offences under Lagos State law. They add that the court process provides an opportunity for both the prosecution and the defence to present evidence before a decision is reached.
The court will determine the case based on evidence presented during trial.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. All allegations contained in the charge are accusations and have not been proven.