The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected serial burglar and recovered photographic equipment and other valuables worth more than N21 million in separate operations across the state.
The principal suspect, identified as Nicholas Olamide, was arrested on September 7, 2026, following an investigation into the August 24 burglary of a photo studio whose owner, Aniekan, had petitioned the police after discovering that thieves gained entry through the roof.
Among the items allegedly stolen in the incident were Canon 6D Mark II, Nikon D850 and Sony A7 Mark II cameras, AD200, AD600 and Shaker studio lights, as well as memory cards, with the value of the property put at N13.14 million.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, Olamide, a native of Ibogi, Ile-Ife, Osun State, who resides in Eket, allegedly confessed to the burglary and subsequently led investigators to other suspects and locations where stolen property was recovered.
Those arrested in connection with the investigation include Abasiakan Ikpembe of Abak Local Government Area, Edward Francis of Afaha Ube Street, Uyo, and Wisdom Sunday of Oron Road, Uyo.
The police said further investigation revealed that Olamide allegedly admitted breaking into another photo studio at No. 135 Aka Road, Uyo, between July 28 and August 5, where photographic equipment and accessories estimated at about N8 million were stolen.
The items reportedly included Sony cameras and lens, Godox studio lights, triggers, a gimbal, tripods, mobile phone and a 700GB drive.
The suspect also allegedly confessed to entering a photo studio at Aka Estate, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, on August 25 and stealing a Canon camera and lens belonging to one Richard. Police said some of the recovered property from the various locations was also suspected to have been stolen in other incidents.
The Command said preliminary investigation indicated that the principal suspect was allegedly a repeat offender who was released from a correctional facility in June 2026, adding that investigators were working to determine his possible links to other burglary and stealing cases within and outside Akwa Ibom.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the operatives for what he described as their “swift response, intelligence gathering and professional handling” of the investigation, while reiterating the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks, recovering stolen property and bringing suspects to justice.
He urged victims of similar incidents to come forward with relevant information or documentation to aid the investigation and recovery of their property.
