23-year-old Sales Girl Steals N29m From Phone Shop, Rents House For Boyfriend

The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old salesgirl, Sarah Ogbonna, for allegedly stealing phones and other items valued at over N29 million from a shop in Minna.

According to the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Wasiu Abiodun, the shop owner, who operates at the Obasanjo Complex, Minna, reported the case to “A” Division Police Station on August 8, 2025.

“On 8th August, at about 12 p.m., a report was received from a phone dealer at Obasanjo Complex, Minna, alleging that his salesgirl, one Sarah Ogbonna of Okada Road, Minna, had been stealing items entrusted to her. He estimated the value of the stolen items at over twenty-nine million naira,” Abiodun said.

Police operatives immediately arrested Sarah, who confessed during interrogation that she had been working in the shop since 2023. She, however, claimed she did not know the total value of items she had taken could amount to N29 million.

Her confession led to the arrest of three accomplices on August 9. They include 23-year-old Ruth Omor Emmanuel of Tunga, Minna; 30-year-old Mercy Ogbonna of Okada Road, Minna (Sarah’s elder sister); and 32-year-old Nurudeen Musa of Obasanjo Complex.

Investigations revealed that Sarah regularly transferred money to her sister, Mercy, who reportedly used it for family expenses such as house rent, food, and other needs. Ruth Emmanuel, another salesgirl at the same shop, allegedly took part in the theft before leaving the job. Nurudeen Musa, meanwhile, was accused of collecting expensive phones from Sarah and selling them at very low prices, making incomplete returns to the shop owner.

The police also disclosed that Sarah used part of the proceeds to rent and furnish an apartment for her boyfriend, identified as Samuel Abiodun Bello, who is currently on the run. She also admitted to joining an online weekly contribution scheme where she paid N150,000.

Items recovered from Sarah include two power generators, a smart TV, a freezer, four wigs valued at N500,000 each, a gas cylinder, shoes, bags, clothes, household furniture, and other valuables.

The police spokesperson confirmed that all suspects are currently under investigation, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing boyfriend.