The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old salesgirl, Sarah Ogbonna, for allegedly stealing mobile phones and cash valued at over N29 million from a phone dealer at Obasanjo Commercial Complex, Minna.
Police say the suspect, who resides on Okada Road, Minna, diverted part of the stolen money to rent and furnish an apartment for her boyfriend, Samuel Bello, in the Sauka-Kauta area of Minna. Bello is currently on the run.
According to the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the arrest followed a complaint filed by the shop owner on August 8, 2025.
How the Theft Was Uncovered
The shop owner reported that several mobile phones and cash had gone missing, leading to suspicions about Sarah, who had worked at the store since 2023.
During interrogation, she confessed to the theft but claimed she was unsure if the total value amounted to N29 million. Police immediately recovered N700,000 cash from her.
Further investigation revealed that Sarah also joined an online contribution group, where she allegedly made weekly payments of N150,000 from the stolen money.
Family Members and Accomplices Arrested
The police confirmed that Sarah’s elder sister, Mercy Ogbonna (30), was also arrested after receiving multiple money transfers from her sibling. Mercy reportedly used the funds to pay rent, buy food, and meet other family needs.
Two additional suspects were arrested in connection with the case:
- Ruth Emmanuel (23): A former salesgirl at the same shop who allegedly participated in the theft before resigning.
- Nurudeen Musa (32): A trader at Obasanjo Complex accused of receiving stolen phones from Sarah and selling them at heavily discounted prices.
Items Recovered
Police operatives recovered several items suspected to have been purchased with the stolen funds from Sarah’s residence, including:
- Two power generators
- One smart TV
- One freezer
- Four luxury wigs worth N500,000 each
- Shoes, canvas, bags, and clothing
- One gas cylinder
- Full sets of house furniture
Police Statement
PPRO Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that all four suspects were arrested between August 8 and 9, 2025.
“Sarah confessed to the crime and admitted that she had been stealing gradually since she started work at the shop. Investigations also revealed that she transferred money to her elder sister for family upkeep while other accomplices benefited from her acts,” Abiodun said.
The police added that further investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being made to track down Samuel Bello, the boyfriend who allegedly benefited from the stolen funds.
