After Seven Years of Service, Apprentice Stole Boss's Money to Buy 4 Phones Worth ₦1.2 Million for Girlfriend [VIDEO]

 

A troubling video has surfaced online showing a young apprentice caught red-handed after allegedly stealing from his boss, popularly called "Oga", and using the money to lavish expensive phones on his girlfriend. This incident, now the subject of widespread social media debate, has stirred conversations around trust, loyalty, and the deepening frustrations of young apprentices who serve under masters for years with uncertain outcomes.

The viral clip opens with a tense confrontation. The apprentice, visibly shaken, stands before his boss, surrounded by onlookers. His hands are clasped, his voice trembling as he begs for forgiveness. His girlfriend stands nearby, uneasily clutching four boxed phones, which were later identified as gifts purchased with the stolen money. The boss, clearly furious, demands answers as he interrogates the boy in a stern tone.

Eyewitnesses report that the young man had been with his boss for seven years, faithfully learning the ropes of the trade and awaiting the promised settlement typically offered at the end of an apprentice period. Instead of waiting for his reward, he allegedly took matters into his own hands by stealing money from the business and splurging ₦1.2 million on gadgets for his romantic partner.

Online reactions to the footage have been mixed, with many expressing sympathy for the apprentice while others sharply condemned his actions. Some believe the situation might be deeper than it appears. A user identified as @valen.star976 commented, “na set up nothing way you want tell me, the man don’t want to settle the boy, collect the phone back and settle the boy over.” His words imply suspicion toward the boss, suggesting that the apprentice might have been denied fair treatment after years of service.

Another user, @Kelly Dab, raised a pressing question: “make I serve person for 7 years for settlement of 1 million?” This statement reflects a common frustration among Nigerian youths who serve under trade mentors with the hope of being settled but are often met with delays, disappointments, or unfair treatment.

Some users focused on the value of the phones, with @chrisoranu525 pointing out, “The 4 phone is not even up to 500k and the phone are all itel products.” This casts doubt on the claimed figure of ₦1.2 million and raises questions about whether the apprentice was deceived or exaggerated the worth of the phones himself.

The girlfriend’s role in the unfolding drama has also become a talking point. She was seen obediently returning the phones during the confrontation. While she did not speak much in the video, her body language suggested regret and embarrassment. Many wonder if she was aware of the source of the money used to buy the gifts, or if she simply accepted the presents in good faith.

Several viewers have pointed to the incident as a reflection of the harsh economic realities facing many young Nigerians. With unemployment high and opportunities limited, apprenticeship remains one of the few available paths for young people to build a future. Yet, without proper regulation or oversight, the system can be fraught with exploitation, delayed settlements, and growing resentment.

Though the apprentice committed a criminal act, public opinion remains divided. Some argue that he acted out of desperation after feeling cheated, while others insist there is no excuse for betraying the trust of one’s benefactor. The boss, on his part, has not publicly shared whether he intends to forgive the boy or press charges.

This event underscores the urgent need to revisit how apprenticeships are managed across the country. Apprentices often invest many of their youthful years in service, with the expectation of eventual freedom and financial support. When those promises are broken or delayed, it can lead to bitterness and in extreme cases, reckless decisions.

What began as a personal matter between a master and his apprentice has now become a national conversation. Whether justice or reconciliation follows, one thing is clear: the dynamics between business owners and their apprentices in Nigeria need a fresh lens, honest conversations, and perhaps structural reform. As this video continues to circulate, so too does the question of how many other apprentices may be silently suffering, afraid to speak out or take action.

@queens_of_tiktok

♬ original sound - 𝕋𝕀𝕂𝕋𝕆𝕂 ℚ𝕌𝔼𝔼ℕ*👑👸💍