Salesgirl Arrested for Allegedly Stealing N29 Million Goods to Rent Apartment for Boyfriend

The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old salesgirl, Sarah Ogbonna, for allegedly stealing items worth more than N29 million from a phone shop in Minna, Niger State, where she worked. Police said Ogbonna diverted proceeds from the stolen goods to rent and furnish an apartment for her boyfriend, Samuel Abiodun Bello, at Sauka-Kauta, Minna. Bello is said to be at large.

The arrest followed a report lodged on August 8, 2025, by the shop owner at Obasanjo Complex, Minna. According to the police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, the complainant accused his salesgirl of stealing phones and other valuables from the store over a period of time. Ogbonna, who had worked at the shop since 2023, was suspected of repeatedly taking items and converting them to personal use.

During questioning, the police said Ogbonna admitted to transferring part of the stolen funds to her boyfriend and her elder sister, Mercy Ogbonna, who used the money to settle family expenses such as rent and food. Investigations also revealed that she made contributions to an online financial group while channeling additional sums to meet personal and family needs.

Her confession led to the arrest of three other suspects: her sister, Mercy Ogbonna; 23-year-old Ruth Omor Emmanuel, a former salesgirl at the same shop who allegedly participated in some of the thefts before leaving the job; and 32-year-old Nurudeen Musa, who was accused of collecting expensive phones from Sarah and reselling them at cheap rates, making short payments to cover up the scheme.

Police recovered two power generators, a smart television, a freezer, a gas cylinder, wigs valued at five hundred thousand naira each, shoes, bags, clothes, house furniture and other luxury items from Ogbonna’s apartment. The command stated that all arrested suspects remain in custody while further investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to track down Bello, who is still on the run.