Nigerian comedian Okey Bakassi has announced a N5 million reward for information leading to the recovery of eight mobile phones stolen during a private football game in Ikoyi, Lagos.

In a video posted on Instagram on Thursday, Bakassi disclosed that the incident occurred during the group’s regular Wednesday evening session on April 15, 2026.

He explained that an unidentified individual joined the game and was permitted to participate out of goodwill.

According to him, the suspect played briefly before claiming to be injured and moving to the sidelines. While the match continued, the individual allegedly seized the opportunity to steal eight phones belonging to players and fled the venue.

Bakassi stated that the stolen devices belong to businessmen whose daily operations depend heavily on their phones, heightening the urgency of recovery.

He cautioned potential buyers to be wary, noting that the suspect might attempt to dispose of the devices quickly at discounted prices.

The comedian added that the police have been informed and are making efforts to track down the suspect, although he declined to disclose specific operational details.

He also issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the return of the stolen phones to the security post at the venue, warning that failure to comply would result in intensified efforts to apprehend the suspect.

“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,” he said.

The comedian also appealed to the public for assistance, promising N5 million to anyone who can trace any of the stolen devices.

“For everyone else who knows how to track phones, contact me in my DM. There’s a five million naira waiting for whoever can track any one of those phones,” he added.

He advised second-hand phone buyers to verify sellers’ identification to avoid purchasing stolen items. (The Nation)

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