Comedian Okey Bakassi offers N5m reward over stolen phones

Nigerian comedian, Okechukwu Anthony, popularly known as Okey Bakassi, has announced a N5 million reward for information that could lead to the recovery of stolen phones and the arrest of a suspected thief who infiltrated a private football gathering in Ikoyi, Lagos.

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The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, April 15, 2026, during the group’s regular weekly match.

Bakassi disclosed this in a video shared on Instagram on Thursday, explaining that the suspect joined the game uninvited but was allowed to participate out of goodwill.

According to him, the individual later pretended to be injured and left the pitch, creating an opportunity to carry out the theft.

He said, “This evening, 15th of April 2026, where we play football every Wednesday evening in Ikoyi, a young man came to play with us. Out of our own kindness, we allowed him to join us.”

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The comedian explained that while attention remained on the game, the suspect allegedly stole several phones and disappeared.

“He played for a little bit and feigned injury, went to the stands to sit. While we were carried away playing football, this criminal carted away people’s phones. Took about eight handsets and disappeared,” he said.

Bakassi added that the stolen devices belonged to businessmen whose daily activities depend heavily on their phones. He warned that the suspect might try to sell them quickly at low prices.

He noted that the incident has been reported to the police and that efforts are ongoing to track down the suspect, although specific details are being kept confidential.

Issuing a warning, he gave the suspect a 24-hour deadline to return the stolen items.

“If you’re the one who came out this evening to play with us and you feel that the way to pay us back is to cart away phones and vanish, we will find you. It will only take time. In your best interest, you have the next 24 hours to return those phones back to the security post where you took them from,” he said.

To support recovery efforts, Bakassi also announced a reward for anyone who can help locate the devices.

“For everyone else who knows how to track phones, contact me in my DM. There’s a five million naira waiting for whoever can track any one of those phones,” he added.

He further advised buyers of second-hand phones to verify sellers properly and request valid identification to avoid purchasing stolen devices.

The incident has since drawn reactions online, with many expressing concern about security lapses, even in what are considered controlled and familiar recreational settings.