Police arrest suspected ‘serial burglar,’ recover ₦21 million photographic equipment

The police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested a suspected serial burglar and recovered photographic equipment and other valuables worth over ₦21 million, which were allegedly stolen from three photo studios in the state.

The suspect, identified as Nicholas Olamide, was arrested on Monday following an investigation into the burglary of a photo studio in Akwa Ibom.

Police spokesperson Timfon John disclosed this in a statement posted on Facebook on Thursday.

Police trace suspected stolen equipment

The investigation began after the police received a written petition on 3 September from a photographer identified as Aniekan, who reported that his studio had been burgled.

The police said the incident was discovered on “24 August after the burglars allegedly gained entry through the roof and stole several items, including Canon 6D Mark II, Nikon D850 and Sony A7 Mark II cameras, as well as AD200, AD600 and Shaker studio lights and a box of memory cards.”

The value of the stolen property was estimated at ₦13.14 million, Ms John, a deputy superintendent of police, said.

According to Ms John, the police investigation led to the arrest of Mr Olamide, who hails from Ibogi, Ile-Ife, Osun State, but resides in Eket.

The police said the suspect allegedly confessed to the burglary and led investigators to two locations where some of the stolen items were recovered.

Suspect allegedly admits to other burglaries

The police said further interrogation of Mr Olamide led to disclosures about other alleged burglary incidents in Uyo and other parts of the state.

He allegedly admitted to burgling a photo studio at 135 Aka Road, Uyo, between 28 July and 5 August and stealing photographic equipment and accessories valued at about N8 million.

The items allegedly recovered included “a Sony A7 camera, Sony 50mm lens, Godox studio lights, speedlights, triggers, tripods, a Gimbal R3 Mini, mobile phone, storage drive and other accessories.”

The suspect also allegedly admitted to stealing a Canon camera and lens from a studio at Aka Estate in the Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area on 25 August.

The police said another suspect, Wisdom Sunday, was subsequently arrested at an address on Oron Road, Uyo, where some of the allegedly stolen items and other property were recovered.

Ms John said preliminary investigation indicated that Mr Olamide had been released from a correctional facility in June and that investigators were examining his possible involvement in other burglary cases.

Police intensify crime crackdown

The arrests come amid heightened police operations against violent and property-related crimes in Akwa Ibom and neighbouring states.

READ ALSO: Police foil planned kidnap operation, recover arms in Akwa Ibom

On Tuesday, the police foiled a planned kidnapping operation around Oron and recovered a pump-action gun, two cartridges, a rope, two speedboats and four outboard engines. The operation was based on intelligence from members of the public.

In neighbouring Delta State, police have also intensified efforts against armed robbery after two suspects allegedly attacked a resident near Ekpan with a locally made firearm, prompting a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, Baba Azare, commended the officers involved in the burglary investigation and urged residents and business owners to strengthen security around their premises.

He also appealed to victims of similar crimes to approach the police with relevant information or documentation that could assist in recovering their property.