Police arrest 4 over alleged N21m photographic equipment theft

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has apprehended four individuals in connection with the alleged theft of photographic equipment valued at N21 million from studios in the state. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, one of the suspects, Nicholas Olamide, confessed to his involvement in the theft, leading investigators to other suspects and recovered items. The stolen items included a Canon 6D Mark II, Nikon D850, Sony A7 Mark II, studio lights, and memory cards, valued at N13.14 million.

The owner of one affected studio, Aniekan, reported that her photo studio was broken into through the roof, with unknown individuals gaining access. Police swiftly commenced an investigation, which culminated in the arrest of Nicholas Olamide on September 7, 2026. Olamide, a native of Ibogi, Ile-Ife, Osun State, resided in Eket, Akwa Ibom State. During interrogation, he confessed to the theft and guided investigators to Abasiakan Ikpembe and Edward Francis, both from Akwa Ibom.

Further investigation revealed that Olamide had been involved in other burglary and theft incidents in Uyo and other parts of Akwa Ibom. He allegedly burgled a photo studio at No. 135 Aka Road, Uyo, between July 28 and August 5, 2026, stealing items estimated at N8 million. These items included an Itel A80 mobile phone, tripods, studio lights, triggers, cameras, lenses, and various accessories.

Additionally, he was accused of stealing a Canon camera and lens belonging to Richard from a photo studio in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area on August 25.