Niger State Police Arrest Salesgirl For Alleged N29m Theft From Phone Shop.
The Niger State Police Command has apprehended a 23-year-old salesgirl, Sarah Ogbonna, for allegedly stealing phones and other items worth over N29 million from a phone shop in Minna, the state capital. The arrest, confirmed by Police Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun on Monday, 18 August 2025, followed a report lodged on 8 August by the shop owner at Obasanjo Complex, Minna, who suspected Ogbonna of pilfering goods entrusted to her.
According to Abiodun, Sarah, a resident of Okada Road, Minna, had been employed at the shop since 2023. During interrogation, she admitted to the theft but claimed uncertainty about whether the stolen items amounted to N29 million. Her confession led to the arrest of three accomplices on 9 August: Ruth Omor Emmanuel, 23, of Tunga, Minna; Mercy Ogbonna, 30, her elder sister from Okada Road; and Nurudeen Musa, 32, of Obasanjo Complex. Investigations revealed that Sarah transferred significant sums to Mercy, who used the funds to cover family expenses such as rent and food. Ruth, a former salesgirl at the shop, allegedly participated in some thefts before leaving, while Nurudeen reportedly sold stolen phones at heavily discounted prices, making partial payments over time.
Police recovered N700,000 in cash from Sarah, along with items including two power generators, a smart television, a freezer, four wigs valued at N500,000 each, a gas cylinder, shoes, bags, clothing, and furniture. Further inquiries disclosed that Sarah had rented and furnished an apartment in Sauka-Kauta, Minna, for her boyfriend, Samuel Abiodun Bello, who remains at large. She also reportedly contributed N150,000 weekly to an online financial group.
The suspects are currently under investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department, with efforts ongoing to apprehend Bello. The police have assured the public of a thorough probe to ensure justice, urging residents to report suspicious activities promptly. This incident has sparked discussions among Minna residents, with many expressing shock at the scale of the alleged theft and calling for stricter oversight in retail businesses.
