The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that no case of theft was established against Nollywood actress Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal, who was accused of stealing gold at the Oba Akintoye Market in Lagos Island. Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin provided an update, clarifying that the accusations stemmed from a misunderstanding rather than theft.
According to Hundeyin, the investigation revealed that the incident was caused by an error in the account number provided by the seller. Out of the 10 digits required, one was incorrect, leading to a failed transfer by Anjorin-Lawal. "There was no case of stealing to begin with," Hundeyin said. "Our investigation showed that Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal transferred the money to the wrong account due to a mistake made by the seller. Once this error was discovered, she made a second transfer to the correct account, even though the initial mistake wasn't her fault."
In a viral video, Anjorin-Lawal was seen being accused of theft by traders, but the police investigation concluded that the claims were made in error. Despite being assaulted during the incident, Anjorin-Lawal later decided to withdraw the case after the suspects were arrested and the matter had gone to court.
Hundeyin further confirmed that the traders involved admitted to their mistake in their statements at the police station. Anjorin-Lawal, who had initially transferred N90,000 to the wrong account, provided a receipt as proof. In an effort to resolve the issue, she transferred the money again to the correct account.
In February 2024, six traders—Qudus Jokogbola, Suru Olawale, Edu Shakirat, Fausat Mohammed, Kafayat Ahmed, and Opere Simiat Morenike—were arrested and arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Lagos Island for allegedly assaulting and blackmailing Anjorin-Lawal during the incident. Two other suspects remain at large. The prosecution accused the defendants of conspiring to assault Anjorin-Lawal, causing her physical harm, and disturbing public peace.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, and their lawyer Ade Oshodi requested bail, emphasizing that they were local traders. The court granted bail at N200,000 each, with one surety who must be a Lagos resident with evidence of tax payment. The defendants were remanded in custody until their bail terms were met.
