What began as a promising online connection ended in a terrifying ordeal for a Nairobi man who allegedly lost KSh108,000 after being lured into a carefully orchestrated robbery by a woman he had met through a dating app.
The suspect, 28-year-old Lucy Njeri Kamau, appeared before a Nairobi court accused of masterminding the shocking incident that unfolded on April 17 in the Zimmerman ACK area of Kasarani Subcounty. Prosecutors allege that she worked in collaboration with an accomplice who remains at large.
According to court documents, Ahmed Ali had connected with Njeri through a dating application. After several conversations, the pair agreed to meet in person at her residence. Excited but cautious, Ali decided not to go alone and was accompanied by a friend.
Upon arriving at the house, the two visitors were warmly welcomed. They were reportedly offered refreshments, creating an atmosphere that appeared friendly and harmless. However, investigators say the situation quickly took a sinister turn.
The prosecution told the court that Njeri later requested Ali’s friend to leave, claiming she wanted private time with her guest. Believing everything was normal, the friend departed, leaving Ali alone inside the residence.
After chatting for a short while, Njeri allegedly excused herself to change clothes and later invited Ali into a private room. Moments later, the encounter reportedly transformed into a frightening ambush.
Court documents state that an unidentified man suddenly emerged and physically restrained Ali. The victim allegedly resisted attempts to surrender access to his mobile money account, prompting the suspects to escalate their threats.
Investigators claim the pair used intimidation tactics, including threatening him with a heated electric iron. The device was allegedly held near his neck as they demanded his cooperation.
Fearing for his safety, Ali reportedly complied. The suspects are accused of accessing his mobile money account and withdrawing KSh108,000 through a Family Bank ATM in Kasarani. After obtaining the money, they allegedly ordered him to leave the house.
Traumatized by the experience, Ali reported the matter at Kasarani Police Station, setting in motion investigations that eventually led detectives to Njeri.
The accused woman was arrested and later arraigned in court, where she denied the robbery charges. The court granted her bail of KSh250,000 as she awaits trial.
Meanwhile, police continue searching for the second suspect believed to have participated in the alleged crime.
The case is expected to return to court for hearing on September 17, when prosecutors will seek to prove that what appeared to be a romantic meeting was, in fact, a calculated scheme that left the victim counting heavy financial and emotional losses.
