By Prosper Mene
Authorities have apprehended 23-year-old Sarah Ogbonna for allegedly stealing N29 million in goods and cash from a phone shop at Obasanjo Complex in Minna.
The Niger State Police Command announced the arrest following a two-year investigation into the systematic theft.Ogbonna, who a salesgirl at the shop since 2023, is accused of siphoning off high-value phones and funds, which she used to finance a luxurious lifestyle, including an apartment in Sauka-Kauta for her boyfriend, Samuel Abiodun Bello.
Police also recovered items purchased with the stolen funds, including two generators, a smart TV, a freezer, wigs, shoes, bags, and furniture.Three accomplices were detained: Ruth Omor Emmanuel, 23, a former colleague; Mercy Ogbonna, 30, Sarah’s sister; and Nurudeen Musa, 32, who allegedly sold stolen phones at reduced prices.
During questioning, Ogbonna confessed to the theft, revealing she was unaware the total amounted to N29 million. She also admitted to investing N150,000 weekly in an online financial scheme.
SP Wasiu Abiodun, Police Spokesman, confirmed the arrests and stated that investigations are ongoing, with charges pending. The shop owner’s prompt reporting led to the breakthrough, showing the importance of vigilance in business operations. The police continues their search for Bello and urge the public to provide any information that could aid the case.
