Nigerian comedian Okey Bakassi has announced a ₦5 million reward for information that could lead to the recovery of stolen phones and the arrest of a suspected thief who infiltrated a private football gathering in Ikoyi.
In a video shared on Instagram on Thursday, Bakassi narrated how an unidentified man joined their regular weekly football session on Wednesday evening and later disappeared with several mobile phones.
According to him, the suspect was welcomed to play out of goodwill but later pretended to be injured and stepped away from the pitch.
He said, “This evening, 15th of April 2026, where we play football every Wednesday evening in Ikoyi, a young man came to play with us. Out of our own kindness, we allowed him to join us.”
Bakassi explained that while players were focused on the game, the suspect allegedly seized the opportunity to steal multiple phones before fleeing.
“He played for a little bit and feigned injury, went to the stands to sit. While we were carried away playing football, this criminal carted away people’s phones. Took about eight handsets and disappeared,” he said.
He noted that the stolen phones belonged to businessmen whose daily operations rely heavily on their devices, adding that there are concerns the suspect could attempt to sell them at low prices.
The comedian confirmed that the matter has been reported to the police, with investigations ongoing, although specific operational details were not disclosed.
Issuing a stern warning, he gave the suspect a 24-hour deadline to return the stolen items.
“If you’re the one who came out this evening to play with us and you feel that the way to pay us back is to cart away phones and vanish, we will find you. It will only take time. In your best interest, you have the next 24 hours to return those phones back to the security post where you took them from,” he said.
To support recovery efforts, Bakassi offered a ₦5 million reward to anyone who can help trace the stolen devices.
“For everyone else who knows how to track phones, contact me in my DM. There’s a five million naira waiting for whoever can track any one of those phones,” he added.
He also advised people buying fairly used phones to be cautious and ensure proper verification of sellers to avoid unknowingly purchasing stolen devices.
The incident has since sparked conversations online, with many raising concerns about security vulnerabilities even in seemingly controlled and private recreational settings.
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