Salesgirl arrested for allegedly stealing N29m phones, cash in Minna

The Niger State Police Command has arrested four suspects for criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, theft and receiving stolen property in Minna.

The suspects were arrested following a report from a phone shop owner at Obasanjo Complex, Minna.

The shop owner had alleged that his salesgirl, Sarah Ogbonna – one of the arrested suspects – had been stealing items from the shop.


According to the report, Sarah, 23, had been working at the shop since 2023 and was suspected of stealing items worth over N29 million.

Confirming the arrests, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun said during interrogation, Sarah confessed to the crime and revealed that she had been working with three accomplices:

Her accomplices were named as Ruth Omor Emmanuel, 23, Mercy Ogbonna, 30, and Nurudeen Musa, 32.

The police spokesman explained that investigations revealed that Sarah made multiple transfers of money to her sister, Mercy, who would use the funds to pay rent, buy food, and meet other family needs.

He disclosed that Sarah rented and furnished an apartment at Sauka-Kauta area of Minna for her boyfriend – one Samuel Abiodun Bello currently at large – and she also transferred some money to him.

“She equally claimed that she engaged in a weekly financial contribution of one hundred and fifty thousand naira with a yet to be identified online group.”

Ruth also allegedly participated in some of the thefts, while Nurudeen collected expensive phones from Sarah and sold them out at giveaway prices.

The police spokesman listed items recovered from Sarah as two power generators, one smart TV, one freezer, four wigs of N500,000 each, one gas cylinder, shoes, canvas, bags, clothes and house furniture, among others.

Investigation is still ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court, the police spokesman added.