Overnight guest makes off with cash

By Mannir Dan-Ali in Lagos

Police in Nigeria's commercial capital, Lagos, say they are looking for a woman who checked out of one of the city's plush hotels with suitcases full of cash and valuables belonging to a top Nigerian civil servant.

There are few details about the woman, named Aisha, who had spent the night with the official before her disappearing act.

Lagos state police commissioner Mike Okiro told the BBC that Malam Ahmed Shu'aibu, who is finance director of the Federal Civil Aviation Authority, has petitioned them on the matter.

The total amount allegedly stolen from the hotel room comes to 11.6m naira ($112,000).

Mr Shu'aibu had been staying at the luxurious Sheraton hotel for over six months before the incident, which occured in late July.

Staff blamed

It is usual for top government officials to live in hotels for long periods while accommodation is being sought for them.

But in a dramatic twist, Mr Shu'aibu is now accusing Sheraton hotel staff of organising the alleged theft while he was at work.

According to the petition he filed with the police, he lost a British and a Nigerian passport, airline tickets and Midland bank card and other credit cards, in addition to $66,000 in cash.

Other items allegedly stolen are bangles, bracelets, necklaces and a gold watch worth over $7,000.

Hotel denial

For their part, Lagos Sheraton told police investigators they bear no responsibility for the alleged theft.

They say the complainant had an overnight guest in the person of the woman, who checked out of the hotel with all his luggage after he left for the office the following morning.

Contrary to Mr Shu'aibu's claim, the hotel insists their staff had no hand in the alleged theft and they only assisted the woman in loading the luggage into a waiting car, as they would do with any hotel guest.

The civil servant has yet to say whether all the cash and other items now lost belong to him or the government.

While the police intensify their search for the missing woman, Mr Shu'abu is referring all enquiries to his lawyers.