UYO -The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough with the arrest of a serial burglar in possession of valuable photographic equipment worth over N21 million Naira.
The suspect,Nicholas Olamide, a male and native of Ibogi, Ile-Ife, Osun State, resides in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.
The stolen property recovered on August 24, 2026,include a Canon 6D Mark II camera, Nikon D850 camera, Sony A7 Mark II camera, AD200 studio light, AD600 studio light, shaker studio light and a box of memory cards, with the total value of N13,140,000.
With sustained interrogation of the principal suspects, Olamide and follow-up investigation, he allegedly disclosed his involvement in additional burglary and stealing incidents within Uyo and other parts of Akwa Ibom .
The burgled photo studios location are ;at No. 135, Aka Road ,Uyo and another at Aka Estate in Ikot Ekpene.
Items reportedly stolen from the studios include an Itel A80 mobile phone, tripods, LED light tripod, bracket, Godox AD200 and AD600 studio lights, Godox speedlight, Godox triggers, Sony A7 camera, Sony 50mm lens, Gimbal R3 Mini, photo lights, make-up bag, AD600 bag, speedlight bag, 700GB drive and AD600 chargers, with the estimated value of the stolen property put at approximately N8 million.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John in a signed statement said the breakthrough followed a written petition received on September 3, 2026 from one Aniekan, who reported that his photo studio had been burgled by unknown persons who gained access through the roof.
“Acting swiftly on the complaint, Police operatives commenced discreet investigation and intelligence-led follow-up, which culminated in the arrest, on 7th September 2026, of one Nicholas Olamide,” the statement said.
The Command hinted that the suspect upon arrest allegedly confessed to his involvement in the reported burglary and subsequently led investigators to the locations of other suspects and suspected stolen property.
It also noted that Olamide’s disclosures led the operatives to Abasiakan Ikpembe of Abak Local Government Area and Edward Francis, of Afaha Ube Street, Uyo, where several of the stolen items, alongside other articles reasonably suspected to have been stolen, were recovered.
“According to the ongoing investigation, the suspect allegedly admitted that between 28th July and 5th August 2026, he burgled a photo studio located at No. 135 Aka Road, Uyo and stole various photographic equipment and accessories,” the Command stated.
Besides, Olamide had further allegedly confessed that on 25th August 2026, he entered a photo studio at Aka Estate, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, and stole a Canon camera and lens belonging to one Richard.
“Operatives acting on the information , traced and arrested another suspect, identified as Wisdom Sunday, a male of No. 166, Oron Road, Uyo, where some of the stolen items, as well as other property reasonably suspected to be stolen, were recovered from the location.
“Preliminary investigation further indicates that the principal suspect is allegedly a repeat offender who was recently released from the correctional facility in June 2026. Investigators are currently working to establish his possible involvement in other similar burglary and stealing cases within and outside the state,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Azare, has lauded the operatives for their swift response, intelligence gathering and professional handling of the investigation.
The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, recovering stolen property and ensuring that perpetrators of burglary, stealing and other forms of criminality are brought to justice.
He, particularly urged members of the public, especially owners of businesses and valuables, to remain vigilant, strengthen the security of their premises and promptly report suspicious movements and criminal activities to the Police.
The Command also calls on members of the public who may have fallen victim to similar burglary or theft incidents to come forward with relevant information or documentation that may assist investigators in identifying and recovering their property.