Police nab serial burglar, recover N21m photographic gear
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 connection with a series of break-ins across the state.
The suspect, identified as Nicholas Olamide, was arrested on September 7, 2026, following an investigation into the burglary of a photo studio in Uyo.
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Etim Ekpimah
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 connection with a series of break-ins across the state.
The suspect, identified as Nicholas Olamide, was arrested on September 7, 2026, following an investigation into the burglary of a photo studio in Uyo.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, DSP Timfon John, disclosed on Thursday that the investigation followed a written petition received from a studio owner, Aniekan, on September 3.
According to John, the studio was burgled on August 24 after the suspects allegedly gained entry through the roof and made away with several items, including Canon 6D Mark II, Nikon D850 and Sony A7 Mark II cameras, AD200 and AD600 studio lights, a Shaker studio light and a box of memory cards.
The stolen equipment was valued at N13.14 million.
Police operatives subsequently launched a discreet, intelligence-led investigation which resulted in Olamide’s arrest. The suspect, a native of Ibogi, Ile-Ife, Osun State, who resides in Eket, allegedly confessed to the burglary and led investigators to other suspects and locations where stolen property was recovered.
The investigation led to the arrest of Abasiakan Ikpembe of Abak Local Government Area and Edward Francis of Afaha Ube Street, Uyo. Several of the stolen items, as well as other property suspected to have been stolen, were recovered from them.
Further investigation allegedly linked Olamide to another burglary at a photo studio on Aka Road, Uyo, between July 28 and August 5.
The suspect reportedly admitted stealing an Itel A80 mobile phone, tripods, LED lighting equipment, Godox AD200 and AD600 studio lights, a Godox speedlight, triggers, a Sony A7 camera and 50mm lens, a Gimbal R3 Mini, photo lights, bags, a 700GB drive and chargers, among other items.
The value of the property from the second burglary was estimated at N8 million.
Olamide also allegedly confessed to breaking into a photo studio at Aka Estate, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, on August 25, where he reportedly stole a Canon camera and lens belonging to a man identified as Richard.
Following information obtained during the investigation, police arrested another suspect, Wisdom Sunday, of Oron Road, Uyo. Some of the stolen property and other items suspected to have been stolen were recovered from his location.
John said preliminary investigation indicated that Olamide was a repeat offender who was released from a correctional facility in June 2026.
He added that investigators were working to determine whether the suspect was involved in other burglary and stealing cases within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the investigating officers for their prompt response and intelligence-led approach.
Azare reaffirmed the command’s commitment to recovering stolen property, disrupting criminal networks and ensuring that suspects involved in burglary and theft face justice.
He urged residents, particularly business owners, to strengthen security around their premises and promptly report suspicious activities to the police.
The command also appealed to victims of similar burglary or theft incidents to come forward with relevant information or documentation that could help investigators identify and recover their property.
