Nigerian police report arrest of suspect in thefts of equipment worth over ₦21 million
Police in Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom State said they had arrested Nicholas Olamide, who is suspected of a series of thefts from photo studios. Law enforcement officers said they recovered photographic equipment and other valuables worth more than 21 million Nigerian naira, which, according to their information, may have been stolen from three studios. This was reported by Premium Times Nigeria, citing state police.
Investigation into theft from a studio
According to police, the investigation was launched after a written complaint from a photographer named Aniekan, received on September 3. He reported a break-in at his studio.
Law enforcement officers said the theft was discovered on August 24. According to their version, the perpetrators entered the premises through the roof and took Canon 6D Mark II, Nikon D850 and Sony A7 Mark II cameras, AD200, AD600 and Shaker studio lights, as well as a box of memory cards. Police estimated the value of this property at 13.14 million naira.
Police claim Olamide was detained during the investigation. According to investigators, he allegedly confessed to involvement in the theft and identified two locations where law enforcement officers recovered some of the items.
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Other alleged incidents
During questioning, according to police, the suspect also spoke about other alleged thefts in Uyo and other parts of the state. In particular, he allegedly broke into a photo studio at 135 Aka Road in Uyo between July 28 and August 5 and stole equipment and accessories worth approximately 8 million naira.
Among the recovered items, police listed a Sony A7 camera, a Sony 50 mm lens, Godox studio light, flashes, triggers, tripods, a Gimbal R3 Mini stabilizer, a mobile phone, a storage device and other accessories. Law enforcement officers also said that Olamide allegedly admitted to stealing a Canon camera and lens from a studio in the Aka Estate area of Ikot-Ekpene district on August 25.
Police also reported the arrest of Wisdom Sandy at an address on Oron Road in Uyo, where, according to their information, part of the allegedly stolen property was found. Preliminary investigation, police spokesperson Timfon John said, showed that Olamide had been released from a correctional facility in June. Investigators are checking his possible involvement in other theft cases.
State Police Commissioner Baba Azare urged residents and business owners to strengthen security at their premises, and victims of similar crimes to provide police with documents and information that could help recover property.
