Abia Federal Lawmaker Offers Half Million Naira Reward After Mobile Phone Theft During State Burial Service

Federal lawmaker Amobi Ogah offers a 500,000 Naira reward after his phone was stolen at a state burial in Umuahia. Learn about the security breach.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Politics Nigeria

High Profile Security Breach At International Conference Centre

A significant security lapse occurred on Thursday at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia during the state funeral for the renowned evangelist, Reverend Uma Ukpai. Amidst a gathering of top tier political and religious leaders, a suspected thief successfully targeted Amobi Ogah, the lawmaker representing the Umunneochi and Isuikwuato Federal Constituency. The incident has sent ripples through the local political community, as the ease with which the perpetrator operated suggests a sophisticated exploitation of the crowded venue despite the official protection details assigned to the event.

Exploiting The Chaos Of Public Pleasantries

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the theft took place while the lawmaker was preoccupied with social interactions and exchanging greetings with associates. Video footage that emerged following the ceremony appears to capture a suspect subtly approaching the legislator before slipping away unnoticed into the dense throng of mourners. According to those present, the tightly packed nature of the hall provided the perfect cover for the individual to navigate the floor without drawing the attention of nearby security personnel or the lawmaker's personal staff.

Substantial Financial Incentive For Recovery Efforts

In a direct response to the loss of his mobile device, Representative Ogah has made a public appeal for assistance in identifying the perpetrator. To expedite the investigation, the lawmaker announced a cash reward of 500,000 Naira for any credible information that leads to the successful recovery of the phone or the apprehension of the suspect. This substantial bounty reflects the potential sensitivity of the data contained on a federal legislator's device and the urgency felt by his office to resolve the matter before the trail grows cold.