‘Detained Abuja-based photographer charged for theft, not insult‘

Indication has emerged that the 26-year-old Abuja-based photographer and keyboardist, Nicholas, who spent 10 months in Keffi correctional centre, was charged with theft and not insult as previously reported.

His reported incarceration had sparked criticism, with many accusing the FCT police of abusing their powers and trampling on the fundamental rights of citizens.

The detained youth was rescued by an NGO, Hope Behind Bars, after spending 10 months in a correctional facility. This happened after his boss withdrew the complaint.

However, in a telephone conversation with The Guardian, the embattled boss and Managing Director of Pesther Photography Studio, Mr Mike Oluwole, revealed that the claims were untrue.

According to him, Nicholas stole the official telephone of the company, leading to the police charging him in court. He noted that Nicholas had vehemently denied stealing the phone to the investigating police officer, despite Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) evidence against him, until the day he was charged in court.

Oluwole told The Guardian that he never knew he had employed an ex-convict as staff until the day he was arraigned before the same judge who jailed him for allegedly stealing a photo camera from an ex-boss.

Reacting to a viral post on X about Nichola’s detention, Oluwole said he was shocked to see it. According to him, on that day, over three million people called him.

He said, “The person who made the post on X (formerly Twitter) never called me or heard my side of the story but went ahead to put such an onslaught post about me, my brand, and even my wife. I am innocent.”

I did him good, but he paid me back with evil.

“When he came to my office to sell the camera lens, I asked about its owner. He claimed that it belonged to his friend, and I put him on the spot to confirm. I made him sign that he sold it to me. I then told him how much I needed a good photographer and photo editor, and he showed interest. I put him through a series of photography tests, which he passed outstandingly.

“I then employed him on probation for six months with a monthly pay of N70,000, and he consented. But I noticed something with Nicholas: he was always demanding. My company has a scheme called ‘I owe you (IOU)’ to help relieve staff members of their financial burdens until the end of the month when they get their salaries to repay. He was always defaulting in the scheme and would beg me to help him spread the pay beyond the next month.

“When he resigned, he only sent a text, and I asked him if that was the appropriate way to go about things. He then began to insult me, advising me on how to go about human management and leadership.”

Oluwole added, “I learnt that our office phone was missing; I called his phone to no avail after CCTV revealed that a day before his resignation, he had returned to the office, disconnected the office camera, and connected it while heading out.

“He was not moved by his actions that are costing my customer database. I spent a lot on advertisements in Abuja, ask those who know me. His intention was to have the phone and have access to all my customers’ databases that I have laboured many years to build.

“I reported him to the police as a law-abiding citizen, and he was arrested. Was I supposed to take laws into my hands? I went to the police, which is the right thing to do.”

Oluwole noted that the photographer was questioned about the disappearance of the phone for days before his case was transferred to the court, stressing that he later confessed to stealing the phone on the day the matter was billed for hearing, but it was too late to stop the prosecution, because even the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was angry, having persuaded him for several days to admit and return the phone.