Shola Akinyele
What was meant to be a relaxed football game among friends in Ikoyi has turned into a shocking theft case, after popular comedian Okey Bakassi announced a ₦5 million bounty for a suspect who allegedly stole eight mobile phones during the match.
The incident occurred at a football field in Ikoyi, where Bakassi and a group of associates — including high-profile businessmen — had gathered for a casual game. According to the comedian, the suspect, described as a young man, blended into the group by joining the match uninvited.
Midway through the game, the man reportedly pretended to suffer an injury and moved to the bench area where players had kept their phones and personal items. Within moments, he allegedly seized the opportunity to collect the devices and disappeared without raising suspicion.
In a video message that has since gone viral, Okey Bakassi expressed frustration over the bold theft, revealing that eight phones were taken in the incident. He also announced a ₦5 million reward for anyone who can provide credible information leading to the suspect’s arrest or the recovery of the stolen items.
The group has issued a 24-hour ultimatum, urging the suspect to return the phones to the field’s security post or risk being tracked through a coordinated manhunt backed by the cash reward.
The incident has triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing disbelief that such a theft could happen in one of Lagos’ most exclusive neighbourhoods. While some sympathised with the victims, others pointed to the situation as a reflection of growing desperation and the “fast money” mindset among some youths.
Security concerns have also been raised, as the case highlights how easily an outsider was able to infiltrate a private gathering and carry out the theft without immediate detection.
As of the time of this report, the suspect remains unidentified, and no arrests have been made.
Authorities and those affected are urging members of the public with useful information to come forward through the security post at the Ikoyi field or via Okey Bakassi’s verified social media channels.
The incident adds to growing concerns over petty crime in Lagos, even within high-profile and seemingly secure environments.
More updates will follow as the story develops.
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