The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old salesgirl, Sarah Ogbonna, for allegedly stealing mobile phones and cash worth over N29 million from a shop at the Obasanjo Commercial Complex, Minna.
Ogbonna, who lives on Okada Road in Minna, reportedly used part of the money to rent and furnish an apartment for her boyfriend, Samuel Bello, who is currently on the run. She was also said to have transferred more money to him.
The state police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Saturday. He disclosed that Ogbonna confessed to the crime during interrogation, admitting that she had been taking money and items from her employer since 2023.
“Immediately the report was received, police operatives arrested the said Sarah, and during interrogation, she confessed to the allegation, stating that she had been working in the shop since 2023 and she wouldn’t know if what she had taken so far could amount to N29 million, but a sum of N700,000 was immediately recovered from her,” Abiodun said.
Her confession reportedly led to the arrest of three other suspects. They include: Mercy Ogbonna (30) – Sarah’s elder sister, who allegedly received multiple transfers to settle family bills, including house rent, food, and other needs. Ruth Emmanuel (23) – a fellow salesgirl accused of collaborating in the theft before quitting the job. Nurudeen Musa (32) – a trader at Obasanjo Complex alleged to have bought stolen phones from Sarah at giveaway prices and resold them.
According to the police, Sarah also admitted to participating in an online weekly contribution scheme where she remitted N150,000 regularly.
Items recovered from her residence include two power generators, a smart TV, a freezer, four luxury wigs worth N500,000 each, a gas cylinder, shoes, canvas, bags, clothes, and assorted household furniture.
The police said investigation is ongoing and efforts are underway to apprehend Bello, her boyfriend, who is still at large
