How Madam’s 20-Year-Old Boy, Her Security Connived, Stole 2m

A trusted 20-year-old boy and a security man allegedly connived to steal ₦2 million from a shop belonging to the boy’s host, identified only as Madam.

The incident occurred yesterday morning when thieves broke into the shop by damaging a wall. At the time, suspicion fell on a man who had earlier brought the ₦2 million for safekeeping. No one suspected the young man staying with Madam or the security personnel.

The 20-year-old, who had just completed his WAEC examinations, was lodging with Madam because he is the son of her friend. He was present when the money was handed over. Although he normally arrived at the shop around 9pm and did not possess a key, he showed up unusually early at 7am yesterday. Upon alighting from a motorcycle, he was the first to inform Madam that thieves had broken the wall and entered the premises.

Madam initially dismissed any thought of the boy’s involvement, citing the trust placed in him as her friend’s son. It was only in the afternoon, while making inquiries, that she received information pointing to the boy and the security man as the culprits.

Confronted at the shop and threatened with police involvement, the boy broke down and confessed. He admitted stealing the money because he wanted to buy a new phone. He claimed to still have ₦1.5 million in his possession and said he had given ₦500,000 to the security man.

The security man, who usually resumes duty around 7pm, had not yet reported for work. Police were called and accompanied Madam to the security man’s residence, where he was found at home. Upon seeing the officers, he began begging and claimed the boy forced him to break the wall. He admitted receiving ₦500,000 and spending ₦200,000 of it.