Comedian Okey Bakassi offers N5 million reward to track phone thief at football match

In a dramatic turn of events at a private football match in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigerian comedian Okey Bakassi has put a N5 million bounty on a thief who brazenly stole multiple phones during a game. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday evening, has highlighted security concerns even in seemingly controlled recreational settings.

“

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.

Bakassi recounted how an unknown individual was welcomed to join the weekly football session out of goodwill. However, this act of kindness was met with betrayal as the suspect, after a brief participation, feigned an injury and proceeded to steal approximately eight handsets before disappearing. The stolen devices reportedly belong to businessmen whose daily operations are heavily reliant on their phones, adding a layer of urgency to their recovery.

“

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.

The comedian has taken decisive action, reporting the matter to the police and issuing a public warning. He has also offered a substantial reward, urging anyone with information to come forward. Bakassi's appeal extends to the public, cautioning them against purchasing second-hand phones without proper verification to avoid inadvertently supporting criminal activity. The 24-hour ultimatum for the return of the phones underscores the seriousness with which this theft is being treated, reflecting a community's resolve to reclaim what was lost and bring the perpetrator to justice.

“

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.