The Supervisor for Internal Security in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Mr. Idara Martins Okure, has been arrested by the police over the alleged theft of two mobile phones belonging to a customer at a Zenith Bank branch along Oron Road in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
According to information gathered, the incident occurred after the victim temporarily left his seat inside the banking hall to repark his vehicle at the request of bank officials. Trusting the security of the bank premises, he reportedly left behind his Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Tecno Camon 30S on his seat.
However, on returning, the customer discovered that both phones had disappeared. It was also observed that the man who had been seated beside him, later identified as Mr. Okure, had already left the bank.
The bank’s management reportedly responded by locking down the premises after suspecting the alleged culprit was still inside the building. The move, however, came too late, as the suspect had reportedly exited the premises.
The victim subsequently lodged a complaint with the police, prompting an investigation. Detectives reportedly deployed digital tracking technology, which led to the recovery trail of one of the stolen devices.
Police investigations allegedly revealed that the Tecno Camon 30S had been sold for ₦100,000 to one Mr. Ubong Udofot, who later presented the phone to his son as a gift.
The device was eventually traced to the son, leading to his arrest. During interrogation, the young man reportedly told investigators that the phone had been given to him by his father.
Mr. Udofot was subsequently invited by the police and allegedly disclosed that he had purchased the phone from Mr. Okure. He thereafter assisted investigators in locating the local government official.
Further details obtained by this online newspaper indicate that Mr. Okure allegedly confessed to stealing the phones during police interrogation.
He is currently in police custody as detectives continue their investigation. Authorities are expected to conclude their inquiries before deciding on the appropriate legal action.
The police have yet to issue an official statement on the matter. Consequently, the allegations remain under investigation, and Mr. Okure is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
