Eastern Regional Police Arrest Suspect for Series of Shoplifting Incidents

The Eastern Regional Police Command has apprehended a 57-year-old man, Nsiah Samuel, believed to be responsible for a string of shoplifting incidents that went viral on social media. Samuel, a self-proclaimed chief and minister of the gospel from Akrade in the Eastern Region, was arrested on November 5, 2026, by the Somanya District Police Command. The arrest was made possible through intelligence gathered in collaboration with the Borteyman Police in Accra.

According to the police, Samuel was arrested at a hideout in Akode, near Somanya, at around 3:30 p.m. Upon interrogation, he admitted to stealing various items, including consumables, electronics, clothing, and other goods, from retail outlets across several locations in southern Ghana. These locations include Kibi, Suhum, Ashaiman, Accra Central, Koforidua, Tema, Akosombo, and Adenta.

The arrest followed widespread public outcry on social media after CCTV footage of the suspect allegedly stealing from different retail outlets circulated online. The videos, which showed Samuel taking items from shops, quickly trended on platforms like TikTok, attracting public attention and prompting calls for police action. Many social media users expressed shock and outrage that a man presenting himself as a chief and minister of the gospel could be involved in repeated thefts.

The online agitation contributed significantly to the breakthrough, as members of the public provided vigilance, information, and intelligence that helped officers trace Samuel to his hideout. The police stated that public participation was instrumental in the arrest. Samuel has since been handed over to the Borteyman Police for further investigation.

Chief Inspector Bridget Opoku of the Public Affairs Unit, Eastern Regional Police Command, signed a statement confirming the arrest. The police are continuing to investigate the suspect and determine the full extent of his involvement in the shoplifting incidents. No further details have been released about potential charges or the value of the stolen goods.

The case highlights the role of social media in facilitating both the spread of information and public engagement with law enforcement. The viral nature of the CCTV footage and the public's response demonstrate how digital platforms can be used to bring attention to crimes and aid in the apprehension of suspects.

The suspect's arrest marks a significant development in the case, and the police are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses. The incident also raises questions about the nature of the suspect's activities and how he managed to evade capture for an extended period.

Key points

• Nsiah Samuel, a 57-year-old self-proclaimed chief and minister of the gospel, was arrested for a series of shoplifting incidents in southern Ghana.
• The arrest was facilitated by intelligence gathered through public participation on social media.
• The suspect has been handed over to the Borteyman Police for further investigation.