Nigerian Man in UK Replaces Kemi Badenoch’s Brother’s Allegedly Stolen Shoes, Wristwatch

James Akinwande, a Nigerian residing in the United Kingdom, has purchased a new pair of shoes and a wristwatch to replace those allegedly stolen from the brother of Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, by officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Badenoch recently made the claim in an interview, though she did not specify when the incident took place. She criticized the conduct of Nigerian police officers, stating that “giving people a gun is just a licence to intimidate.”

Born Olukemi Adegoke to Nigerian Yoruba parents in the UK, Badenoch later changed her last name after marrying a Scottish banker. She spent part of her childhood in Nigeria before returning to the UK at the age of 16. Over the years, she has been vocal about governance issues in Nigeria, a stance that has sparked mixed reactions, including criticism from Vice President Kashim Shettima and other Nigerians who accuse her of frequently speaking negatively about her heritage.

In response to her recent remarks, Akinwande recorded a video documenting his purchase of a new wristwatch and shoes from a UK store. He then took the items to the UK Conservative Party headquarters, where he handed them over to security personnel, requesting that they be delivered to Badenoch.

At the end of the video, he included a message: “On behalf of every proud Nigerian who felt genuinely hurt by those unfounded disparaging remarks about the Nigerian Police. We ‘buy back’ the stolen shoes and watch! (I hope it fits, tho..).”

The video has since gone viral on social media, with Nigerians sharing their reactions. Among those who amplified the story was Lauretta Onochie, a former aide to Nigeria’s ex-president, who posted the video on X (formerly Twitter).

Akinwande identifies himself as a legal representative, golfer, and international manager to Nigerian comedian Kenny Blaq. He has also worked with other Nigerian entertainers, including AY Makun and Woli Arole. According to reports, he hails from Ondo town in Ondo State.