Police Bust Salesgirls Over N29M Phone Theft in Minna
MINNA, NIGERIA – The Niger State Police Command has arrested three salesgirls in connection with the alleged theft of phones and electronics worth N29 million from a shop at the Obasanjo Complex in Minna.
The prime suspect, Sarah Ogbonna, 23, was arrested after the shop owner reported her to the police. According to police, she confessed to stealing the goods, stating she had been taking items from the shop since 2023. A sum of N700,000 was immediately recovered from her.
Following her confession, police arrested three alleged accomplices on August 9, 2025: Ruth Emmanuel, 23, who previously worked at the shop; Sarah’s elder sister, Mercy Ogbonna, 30; and Nurudeen Musa, 32.
Uncovering the Details
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the arrests in a statement, revealing the intricate details of the theft. He stated that Sarah allegedly used the stolen funds to address family financial issues and even contributed to a weekly monetary scheme. She is also accused of renting and furnishing an apartment for her boyfriend, Samuel Abiodun Bello, who is currently on the run.
Further investigation showed that Sarah reportedly made multiple money transfers to her sister, Mercy, who used the funds to pay for house rent and other family needs. Ruth Emmanuel, also a former salesgirl at the same shop, is accused of participating in some of the thefts before she left.
Nurudeen Musa is alleged to have been a key part of the operation, collecting expensive phones from Sarah and selling them at heavily discounted prices, often giving her only partial payments.
Recovered Items
Abiodun also stated that several items were recovered from Sarah’s residence, including:
- Two power generators
- A smart TV
- A freezer
- Four wigs, each valued at N500,000
- A gas cylinder
- Shoes, bags, clothes, and house furniture
The police have stated that all suspects remain under investigation as they continue to piece together the full scope of the crime.
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