Comedian Okey Bakassi Places N5 Million Bounty on Suspect Who Stole Phones During Football Game
Nigerian comedian and traditional ruler Okey Bakassi has taken a firm stance against crime by offering a substantial financial reward for the capture of an individual accused of stealing multiple mobile phones during a private football match in Ikoyi, Lagos. The incident, which has sparked widespread discussion on social media, highlights a breach of trust that occurred during what was intended to be a casual sporting event.
Details of the Alleged Theft at the Football Match
According to reports, the suspect, described as a young man, was welcomed to join a group of friends for a friendly football game despite being a stranger to them. During the match, he allegedly faked a physical injury, claiming he needed to sit out. This allowed him early access to the stands where the players had left their personal belongings, including their mobile phones.
Moments after the suspect moved to the stands, several high-end mobile phones were discovered missing. Bakassi later alleged that approximately eight devices were stolen in total, belonging to members of the group. The comedian expressed his disappointment, stating that the act betrayed the kindness shown by the players who had accepted the stranger into their game.
Okey Bakassi's Response and Reward Offer
In response to the theft, Okey Bakassi, who was crowned a king in Imo State in 2025, has offered a N5 million reward to anyone who can provide verifiable information leading to the identification, location, or arrest of the culprit. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that such actions undermine trust and community spirit.
"A really sad story because how can you go to the field to join men where they're playing football, and after they accepted you to play even though you're a stranger, you had to fake injury only to go sit down at the stand so you can steal everyone's phones," Bakassi commented on the incident.
Social Media Reactions and Public Outcry
The news has generated significant reactions on social media platforms, with many users expressing outrage and disappointment. Comments highlighted concerns about betrayal of trust and the negative impact on community interactions.
- One user stated, "That's really sad someone was shown kindness and still chose to betray that trust. This is why people are becoming more careful these days."
- Another commented, "Some individuals are evil, instead of seeking for connection that could change your life positively, I hope he's been dealt with wherever he is."
- A third user suggested, "There should be CCTV on that field which will definitely capture the guy's face. Put his face out here abeg make we sharply find am."
Background on Okey Bakassi and Recent Events
Okey Bakassi, a veteran entertainer in Nigeria, has been in the spotlight recently not only for this incident but also for other positive developments. In a separate event, he received a luxury car gift from billionaire E-Money, fulfilling a promise made by the entrepreneur. This gesture was celebrated online, showcasing Bakassi's continued influence and recognition in the entertainment industry.
The theft incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining security and trust in social settings, even during recreational activities like football matches. As the search for the suspect continues, Bakassi's bounty offer underscores the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in addressing crime.
