Woman Arraigned Over Alleged N420,000 Pregnancy Herb Fraud
Kehinde Adeleye
A 25 year old woman, Musa Zainab Abeke, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ejigbo for allegedly collecting N420,000 from a woman after promising to provide a herbal remedy that would help her conceive.
Abeke was brought before the court on a 2 count charge of obtaining money under false pretences and stealing.
According to the charge sheet marked M/17/1381/2026, the alleged incident occurred on July 21, 2026, at about 11:00am in Ijegun, Ikotun, Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The prosecution alleged in the 1st count that Abeke obtained N420,000 from Deborah Olukoya after representing that she would provide her with a herbal remedy that would make her conceive.
The police alleged that Abeke knew the representation to be false.
The offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In the 2nd count, the prosecution alleged that Abeke dishonestly converted the same N420,000 belonging to Olukoya to her personal use.
The offence was said to be punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Abeke pleaded not guilty to both charges.
The prosecutor, ASP Simon Njue, told the court that police investigations were still ongoing and requested an adjournment to enable the prosecution present its evidence.
Presiding Magistrate F.R. Ogunkoyode granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with 2 sureties in like sum.
The sureties were ordered to provide evidence of their means of livelihood and proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The case was adjourned for mention, while Abeke was remanded at the Correctional Centre, Kirikiri, pending the fulfilment of her bail conditions.
The investigating police officer listed in the charge is Inspector Faith Ikhide of the DCB Section, Idimu Police Station. The case was handled under the supervision of CSP Oni Waheed.
The case highlights concerns surrounding unregulated claims involving fertility remedies, particularly where individuals are promised guaranteed results without proper medical assessment.
Health professionals have consistently advised people experiencing difficulty conceiving to seek evaluation and treatment from qualified medical practitioners and accredited fertility specialists rather than relying on unverified remedies.
The court is expected to determine the matter based on evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence.
Abeke is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, and the allegations contained in the charge remain accusations at this stage.
