The Lagos State Police Command has officially cleared Nollywood actress Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal of accusations related to a gold theft incident that occurred at Oba Akintoye Market on Lagos Island.
The police investigation revealed that the allegations were based on a misunderstanding and that there was no case of theft.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police, confirmed this development. He explained that the police investigation uncovered that the accusations against Anjorin-Lawal were unfounded and resulted from a mistake involving an incorrect bank account number.
According to Hundeyin, “There was no case of stealing to start with; our investigation revealed that the seller of the goods gave the wrong account number.”
He elaborated that one digit in the account number provided to Anjorin-Lawal was incorrect, leading her to transfer the payment to the wrong account. This error caused confusion, and some traders accused her of theft.
In an attempt to resolve the situation quickly, Anjorin-Lawal made another payment to the correct account, even though the initial mistake was not her fault.
The police noted that she went as far as making a double payment to avoid further issues. Hundeyin emphasized, “Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal transferred what she was supposed to transfer… there was no stealing.”
The viral video that showed the actress being accused and harassed in the market had sparked significant public interest.
Following the incident, six traders were arrested for allegedly assaulting Anjorin-Lawal and were later arraigned in court. They were accused of conspiracy, assault, and disturbing the public peace. Two additional suspects involved in the case are still at large.
The six traders – Qudus Jokogbola, Suru Olawale, Edu Shakirat, Fausat Mohammed, Kafayat Ahmed, and Opere Simiat Morenike – pleaded not guilty to the charges. They were granted bail of N200,000 each, with conditions requiring them to provide a surety who is a Lagos resident.
In court, the defence lawyer for the traders requested leniency, stating that the accused individuals were local traders trying to make a living. The case continues, with the traders remanded in custody until they meet the bail terms.
