Nigerian comedian Okey Bakassi has announced a ₦5 million reward for information that could help recover several stolen mobile phones and identify a suspect who allegedly infiltrated a private football gathering in Ikoyi.
The incident, which occurred during a routine weekly football session among professionals and business associates, has sparked widespread concern about security vulnerabilities even in controlled recreational environments.
According to Bakassi, the suspected thief joined the group’s Wednesday evening football session after being welcomed in the spirit of sportsmanship.
However, events reportedly took an unexpected turn shortly after the game began.
The comedian explained that the individual:
- participated briefly in the match
- later claimed to be injured
- stepped off the pitch and moved toward the stands
- allegedly seized the opportunity to steal multiple phones
By the time players realised what had happened, the suspect had already disappeared.
Bakassi disclosed that approximately eight mobile phones were taken during the incident.
Speaking in a video shared on Instagram, Bakassi expressed concern about the impact of the theft on victims whose daily work depends heavily on their devices.
He noted that several of the stolen phones belonged to business professionals, raising fears that the suspect might attempt to quickly resell the devices at discounted prices.
The incident has since generated strong reactions online, with many Nigerians describing the situation as both surprising and troubling.
In a direct message addressed to the suspect, Bakassi issued a firm warning urging the immediate return of the phones.
He announced that the individual had 24 hours to return the stolen items to the security post where they were reportedly taken.
The comedian also stated clearly that recovery efforts were already underway and that the group remained determined to identify the suspect.
To speed up recovery efforts, Bakassi offered a ₦5 million cash reward to anyone who can provide credible information leading to the tracking of any of the missing phones.
He encouraged individuals with technical knowledge of mobile tracking to contact him directly.
The reward announcement has further amplified public attention around the incident.
Bakassi confirmed that the matter has already been reported to authorities, though he declined to share operational details about the investigation.
The move signals that formal efforts are underway to identify the suspect and recover the stolen property.
As part of his response, Bakassi also cautioned members of the public to exercise extra care when purchasing fairly used mobile devices.
He advised buyers to always request valid identification and proof of ownership from sellers to avoid unknowingly purchasing stolen phones.
Security experts often note that quick resale in informal markets remains one of the most common methods used to dispose of stolen devices.
The Ikoyi incident has triggered fresh discussions about safety awareness even within trusted social and recreational settings.
For many observers, the situation highlights how quickly opportunistic theft can occur when attention shifts during group activities.
As recovery efforts continue, the reward offer remains one of the strongest signals yet that those affected are determined to retrieve the missing devices and ensure accountability.
