Abuja Man Caught After Stealing iPhone 14 Pro Max, Faces Public Outrage and Vigilante Justice [VIDEOS]

 

A young man suspected of stealing an iPhone 14 Pro Max from a boutique in Abuja has been apprehended, days after a video capturing the aftermath of the incident began circulating on social media platform X. The suspect allegedly took advantage of a vulnerable moment, sneaking into the store while both the owner and the sales representative were fast asleep.

The bold theft reportedly occurred in the Gwarimpa area, one of the capital’s bustling commercial zones. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts indicate that the suspect entered the boutique without triggering suspicion and swiftly made away with the expensive gadget, estimated at over ₦1 million in current market value.

Following the theft, the boutique owner raised an alarm, sharing CCTV footage and calling for help from the public. A few days later, the suspect was caught and restrained. A follow-up video showed him sitting on the ground, visibly distressed, with his arms tied. The video quickly gained traction, sparking heated debate and anger online.

The man’s swift capture triggered a wave of online reactions, with many users expressing both surprise and approval at how quickly he was apprehended. One user, @itsnrman, commented, “How was he caught so fast? Wow, commendable.” The efficiency of the response was acknowledged as rare in a country where small crimes are often overlooked or go unresolved for long periods.

However, the tone of the public commentary quickly shifted from praise to fury. A significant portion of the online community called for vigilante justice, bypassing due process and legal protections. The suspect’s alleged crime ignited deep-rooted frustrations around inequality and the perception of selective justice in Nigeria.

Some users, like @official_papson, advocated for traditional forms of punishment, saying, “Naked him and take him around Gwarimpa to Wuse 2 on foot. They flog am Dey go. Sometimes fgt constitution, criminals need to be dealt traditionally.” His statement underscores the belief that conventional legal systems often fail to deliver justice in a timely or effective manner.

Another user, @UTDvicton, took the outrage further with a disturbingly creative punishment suggestion: “Make dem use oraimo cord for him neck the 2 by 2 for him chest.” The anger expressed was palpable and widespread, drawing attention to how social media has become an outlet for venting societal dissatisfaction.

A more somber reflection came from @OCblack127, who wrote, “See how them dey beat who thief phone but when them see who thief $50 billion dollars for office then go call am Oga. Nigerians.” This statement struck a chord with many, highlighting the hypocrisy in Nigeria’s justice system—where petty thieves are swiftly punished, while corrupt politicians are often celebrated or shielded.

While some suggested handing the suspect over to the police after meting out street punishment, others, like @LarryAngel08, were skeptical of formal justice, saying, “You go die keh, just give ham better beating and hand ham over to police, because police go later free ham, beat ham very well.”

Calls for brutal retribution continued with @IktGadget’s post: “No pity am o, beat am, beat shege commot e body.” This kind of rhetoric reflects the growing distrust in Nigeria’s law enforcement institutions and the inclination toward jungle justice.

The case has since ignited broader conversations around crime, punishment, and the Nigerian justice system. Many Nigerians are growing weary of perceived double standards in how crimes are addressed, especially when the perpetrator is a common man versus someone in a position of wealth or political power.

As the dust settles, questions remain: What happens next for the suspect? Will the police take over and follow due process, or will this incident serve as another example of society taking the law into its own hands?

The incident is a stark reminder of how quickly public sentiment can escalate online, fueled by frustration, inequality, and a broken justice system. It also reveals how social media platforms are evolving into modern-day public squares, where justice is not only demanded but also often executed in real time. 

UPDATE: Man Who Støle iPhone 14 Pro Max in Abuja Shop Arrested. https://t.co/doIOCedEvC pic.twitter.com/EqDYXPNH5P

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) May 11, 2025