The Ghana Police Service has arrested a 57-year-old man identified as Nsiah Samuel over alleged shoplifting activities after videos purportedly showing him stealing items from retail shops went viral on social media.
The suspect was arrested at a hideout in Akode, near Somanya in the Eastern Region, on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m.
His arrest followed an intelligence-led operation involving officers from the Somanya District Police Command and the Borteyman Police in Accra.
According to police reports, investigators acted on information gathered from videos circulating on TikTok and other social media platforms, which allegedly showed the suspect engaging in shoplifting activities at different retail outlets.
The viral footage attracted public attention and prompted calls for the police to investigate and identify the individual involved.
Police identified the suspect as Nsiah Samuel, 57, who reportedly resides at Akrade in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region.
He is also said to have described himself as a self-proclaimed chief and minister of the gospel.
Following his arrest, the suspect was interrogated by investigators and reportedly admitted to stealing various items from retail shops.
The items allegedly taken included consumable goods, electronic gadgets, clothing and other merchandise.
Police investigations further indicated that the alleged shoplifting incidents occurred in several communities and commercial centres across southern Ghana.
Locations mentioned in connection with the suspected activities include Kibi, Suhum, Ashaiman, Accra Central, Koforidua, Tema, Akosombo and Adenta.
The alleged incidents across multiple locations suggest that investigators are examining a series of complaints rather than a single shoplifting case.
After his arrest, Nsiah Samuel was initially held by the Somanya Police Command before being handed over to the Borteyman Police in Accra for further investigations.
The police are expected to continue examining the allegations and gathering evidence to establish the full extent of the suspected activities.
The arrest has also highlighted the role of social media and public cooperation in assisting law enforcement agencies to identify suspects in reported criminal cases.
The Eastern Regional Police Command reportedly commended members of the public and shop owners whose vigilance and sharing of video evidence helped provide information that contributed to the operation.
The incident has generated discussions about shoplifting and the financial losses businesses can suffer when merchandise is allegedly stolen from their premises.
Retailers, particularly those operating in busy commercial areas, often rely on surveillance cameras, security personnel and cooperation with law enforcement agencies to protect their businesses.
The police operation leading to Nsiah Samuel’s arrest demonstrates how information supplied by members of the public can assist investigators in tracking down individuals suspected of committing offences across different locations.
However, the allegations against the 57-year-old remain subject to police investigations and the judicial process. His reported admissions do not, by themselves, amount to a conviction.
The police are expected to establish the full circumstances of the alleged incidents and take the necessary legal steps as investigations continue.
Source: Thepressradio.com
