Alleged thief was caught stealing multiple perfumes from a store at Uselu Shell Mall in Benin City. prompting immediate detention by security while police were notified.
Residents and traders around the busy Uselu axis of Benin City were gripped by fear and frustration on Friday afternoon when a suspected petty thief was apprehended at the popular Uselu Shell Shopping Mall.
Crowd Gathers After Alleged Perfume Theft Arrest
Spectators said the arrest followed an alleged perfume theft, drawing a crowd and sparking immediate concern.
The incident has reignited worries about rising insecurity and the economic hardships many Nigerians face.
With locals warning that frequent petty crimes reflect deeper social and financial strains on the community.
The incident occurred around 3:25 PM when the suspect, who identified himself as Destiny Omoruyi, allegedly entered a shop posing as customer.
Shopper Allegedly Concealed Perfumes While Scouting Store
Eyewitnesses disclosed that he carefully moved around the store, observing the environment while allegedly concealing several perfume products without making payment.
Unknown to him, some persons within the area had already noticed his suspicious movements and quietly monitored him.
Moments later, as he allegedly attempted to leave the premises unnoticed, he was confronted by observant traders and passersby who immediately raised an alarm.
The atmosphere suddenly changed from normal business activities to confusion and tension as crowds gathered around the scene.
Traders Fled Stalls As Customers Watched Fearfully
Traders abandoned their stalls, customers stopped in fear, while many struggled to understand what had happened.
In the midst of the confrontation, the suspect reportedly shouted repeatedly that he was not a thief.
According to witnesses, he claimed he only intended to take the perfumes and return later to pay for them.
However, many at the scene dismissed the explanation as an attempt to escape accountability.
“He knew what he was doing,” one trader angrily stated.
“Nobody carries goods away from a shop with promises to pay later without informing the seller.”
Suspect Taken to Okhoro Road Police Station
The suspected thief was taken to the police station along Okhoro Road for further questioning and investigation.
Business owners say they now operate under constant fear, uncertain of who genuinely comes to buy and who comes with criminal intentions.
Several concerned residents blamed the worsening economic realities in Nigeria.
A visibly worried trader at the scene lamented:
“Every day now, people are scared. Businesses are suffering.
The economic pressure is becoming too much, and crime is increasing everywhere.”
Many expressed disappointment over what they described as delayed or weak real-time responses from law enforcement agencies despite repeated incidents occurring in public spaces.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not released any official statement concerning the incident.
Community Leaders Urge Urgent Action to Prevent Worsening
They insist that beyond arrests, practical solutions such as youth empowerment, employment opportunities, improved surveillance.
And rapid-response policing must become immediate priorities to restore confidence and safety within local communities.
