NSCDC arrests 20-year-old guard over alleged burglary in Akure
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested a 20-year-old security guard, Oto-Abasi Joseph Etim, over an alleged burglary and theft at an apartment in Alagbaka, Akure.
Etim was apprehended in Lagos on August 13, 2026, nearly three months after he allegedly fled the scene of the incident, according to the command.
The incident reportedly occurred on May 16, when the apartment owner returned home and found the gate and main doors open, while Etim, who was supposed to be on duty, was nowhere to be found.
The command said CCTV footage obtained during the investigation allegedly showed the suspect entering the apartment and taking away several valuables belonging to the complainant.
Following a petition by the victim, operatives attached to the command’s Intelligence Unit began tracing the suspect, eventually locating and arresting him in Lagos.
The NSCDC said Etim allegedly admitted during interrogation that he used a spare key to gain entry into the apartment and later disposed of the stolen items to raise money.
Among the valuables allegedly stolen were Samsung A30 and Tecno Spark 40 phones, a laptop and accessories, Huawei tablet, clothes, cheque book and other personal effects. The suspect reportedly sold some of the items in Akure and the laptop at Computer Village, Ikeja.
Reacting, the State Commandant, Oluyemi Joshua Ibiloye, urged residents to properly screen domestic workers and security guards before employing them. He also warned against buying suspected stolen property, stressing that offenders would face the law.
