Police arrest 57-year-old self-styled chief and pastor over viral shoplifting videos

On November 5, 2026, a 57-year-old man named Nsiah Samuel was apprehended by the Eastern Regional Police Command. He is suspected of masterminding a series of shoplifting incidents that have since become viral on platforms like TikTok. Samuel, who identifies as a chief and minister of the gospel and resides in Akrade, Eastern Region, was taken into custody by the Somanya District Police Command.

The arrest came after intelligence was shared with the Borteyman Police in Accra. Initial investigations showed that Samuel had admitted to stealing various items from stores across the country, including consumables, electronics, clothing, and more. These thefts occurred in places such as Kibi, Suhum, Ashaiman, Accra Central, Koforidua, Tema, Akosombo, and Adenta.

Samuel has now been transferred to the Borteyman Police for further investigation. The Ghana Police Service, in a statement on November 7, 2026, expressed gratitude to the public for their vigilance and for sharing information on social media that led to Samuel's arrest.