Nigerian comedian Okey Bakassi has announced a ₦5 million reward for information leading to the recovery of stolen mobile phones and the arrest of a suspected thief who allegedly infiltrated a private football session in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Bakassi made the disclosure in a video posted on Instagram on Thursday, where he recounted how an unidentified man joined a weekly football gathering on Wednesday evening and later disappeared with several participants’ phones.
According to him, the suspect was welcomed into the game out of goodwill, but later exploited the opportunity to carry out the theft.
“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,” he said.
He explained that the man participated briefly in the match before pretending to be injured and moving to the sidelines, where he allegedly waited for the right moment to strike.
“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,” Bakassi added.
The comedian noted that the stolen phones belonged to businessmen whose daily activities depend heavily on their devices, warning that the suspect may attempt to dispose of them at low prices in the market.
He further disclosed that the incident has been reported to the police, with efforts already underway to track the suspect. However, he declined to reveal operational details in order not to compromise the investigation.
Bakassi also issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the suspect, urging him to return the stolen devices voluntarily.
“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,” he said. “In your best interest, you have the next 24 hours to return those phones back to the security post where you took them from.”
In addition, he announced a ₦5 million reward for anyone who can assist in tracking the stolen phones or providing credible information leading to their recovery.
“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 said.
He also cautioned members of the public against buying second-hand phones without proper verification, advising that valid identification should always be obtained from sellers to avoid unknowingly purchasing stolen devices.
The incident has since sparked widespread reactions online, with many expressing concern over security breaches even in organised recreational environments.
