The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has declared that no evidence of theft has been found against popular Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal, who faced allegations of stealing gold at the Oba Akintoye Market located in the Lagos Island region of the state.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, provided this information to journalists on Friday.
He stated that the investigation conducted by the command revealed that the video depicting individuals, including vendors, accusing Anjorin-Lawal of theft was based on a misunderstanding of the facts.
“There was no case of stealing to start with; our investigation revealed that the seller of the goods gave the wrong account number. Out of the 10 digits the person was to provide, one digit was given wrongly and our investigation revealed that Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal did the transfer to the wrong account number.
“But when it turned out that it was a mistake of facts and that they called her a thief in error, Lizzy (Anjorin-Lawal) took the assault meted out against her up and after the suspects were arrested and the case had gone to court, for reasons best known to her, she said she was no longer interested in the case and the case was withdrawn,” Hundeyin told The PUNCH.
Hundeyin elaborated that the individuals who accused Anjorin-Lawal of theft acknowledged their error while providing their statements at the police station, clarifying that it was the seller who had provided her with incorrect account information.
“Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal transferred what she was supposed to transfer, which was about ₦90,000, into the wrong account that she was given and there was a receipt; when it was becoming too hot, she again transferred money to the correct account number they gave her.
“So, she did a double transfer just to avoid trouble, even though the mistake was not hers. So, I am confirming that the police investigation revealed that there was no stealing. Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal was not culpable of stealing as she did not engage in stealing according to our investigation,” the PPRO added.
Naija News understands that Anjorin had been accused of theft and assaulted by several traders during her visit to the market, an incident captured in a video that gained widespread attention online.
The actress has since debunked the accusation.
In February 2024, at least six traders were apprehended in connection with the assault.
These individuals were subsequently brought before the Chief Magistrate Court in Lagos Island Local Government, facing charges of assault and blackmail against Anjorin-Lawal during her attempt to purchase gold.
The accused—Qudus Jokogbola, Suru Olawale, Edu Shakirat, Fausat Mohammed, Kafayat Ahmed, and Opere Simiat Morenike—were formally charged, while two additional suspects remain at large.
Prosecutor Sola Samuel informed the court that the six defendants, along with the two fugitives, conspired to commit the crime by forcibly pushing and dragging Anjorin-Lawal, resulting in significant bodily harm within Oba Akintoye Market in Lagos Island.
Samuel asserted that the defendants’ actions disrupted public order.
He indicated that the alleged offences violated Sections 411 and 413; 168(d) and 170(b) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015, which carry corresponding penalties under the same legislation.
All defendants entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
The defence attorney, Ade Oshodi, requested that the court grant bail under the most lenient conditions, emphasizing their status as traders.
In his decision, Magistrate A.A. Paul approved bail for each defendant in the amount of ₦200,000, requiring one surety per individual.
The sureties must be residents of Lagos and provide proof of tax payment.
The defendants were ordered to remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services until they fulfill their bail conditions.
The post Police Exonerates Lizzy Anjorin Of Gold Theft Allegation appeared first on Naija News.