The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old salesgirl, Sarah Ogbonna, for allegedly stealing items valued at over N29 million from a phone shop in Minna. The arrest followed a report lodged by the shop owner, who operates at the Obasanjo Complex in the state capital, on August 8.
Police spokesperson, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday. He explained that preliminary investigations revealed Ogbonna had been diverting phones and funds entrusted to her. Further findings showed she made multiple transfers to her elder sister, 30-year-old Mercy Ogbonna, who used the money to settle family expenses, including rent, food, and other needs.
The police said two other individuals were implicated in the scheme. One of them, 23-year-old Ruth Omor Emmanuel, also worked as a salesgirl at the shop and allegedly participated in some of the thefts before leaving her employment. Another accomplice, 32-year-old Nurudeen Musa, was said to have collected high-end phones from Sarah and sold them cheaply, making incomplete payments over time. Investigators also discovered that Sarah rented and furnished an apartment for her boyfriend, Samuel Abiodun Bello, who is currently at large, and made regular contributions to an unidentified online thrift group.
According to the statement, several luxury and household items suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of the theft were recovered from Sarah. They include two power generators, a smart television, a freezer, four wigs valued at N500,000 each, a gas cylinder, assorted shoes, bags, clothes, furniture, and other personal belongings.
DSP Abiodun added that Sarah admitted working in the shop since 2023 but claimed she was unaware the items she had taken amounted to N29 million. Her confession led to the arrest of three accomplices on August 9. The police have assured that all suspects remain under investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend Bello, who is currently on the run.
