Seun Egbegbe ‘still in police custody’, yet keeps denying phone theft

Seun Egbegbe, a Nollywood filmmaker, continues to deny making an attempt to cart away phones from a store at Computer village in Ikeja, Lagos, despite “still being in police custody”.

TheCable Lifestyle had on Tuesday learned from multiple eyewitnesses that Egbegbe was beaten by a mob for seeking to steal several expensive phones from Kaaltex Innovation Consultancy, a store in Computer Village.

In reaction to the news, a statement was released by Egbegbe stating that the stories were “pretty laughable and better left in the court of public opinion”.

He sought to discredit the allegations despite witness reports and pictures showing the now estranged lover of Toyin Aimakhu, a Nollywood actress, with a bloodied mouth.

“I want to state here categorically and emphatically that though I was at Computer Village to address some issues, but I was never arrested for stealing 10 Iphone 7s, as stated by the writer of the story, the matter has since been resolved by the Nigeria Police; and the issue of me stealing phone is devilish from the said writer,” he wrote.

Following his rejoinder, a subsequent statement released through his publicist gave another account of the incident.

“Prior to the news flitering the social media about Seun Egbegbe accused of stolen Iphones on Tuesday November 22 at Computer village, Ikeja; this is to inform the general public to debunk all negative stories published about him which is never true.

“The Truth: Seun Egbegbe was at Keelcech shop, located at No 9, Medical road, Ikeja, to purchase some phones. After making his order from the shop sales rep and walking towards his car to pay up the balance of the phones, the sales rep claimed he’s bolting away with the phones which was never true.

“Before Seun Egbegbe could say a word to the angry mob around, he was attacked and lynched with no explanation. It was a known fact that; Mr Seun Egbegbe can afford to buy thousands of Iphones if needed. So why would he go to steal Iphones? He is a philantropist who helps multitude in our society today with his riches from God. We will authoritatively inform you that, the issue has been settled and resolved by the two parties amicably.

“Special thanks to the Nigeria Police Force, media & concern[ed] fans worldwide for their support. But always find out the fact and truth before publishing your reports or stories. Signed: Publicist/PR manager. Seun Egbegbe & Ebony films productions.”

When TheCable Lifestyle visited the Area F police command in Ikeja, the police officers refused to divulge any information.

“There is no such case here,” the female police officer on duty responded without requesting for the name of the suspect or checking the register.

Attempts to get a statement from Dolapo Badmos, the Lagos state police spokesperson, proved abortive as she did not reply messages sent to her.

Meanwhile, Punch subsequently reported that a police source at the command revealed that the filmmaker was still being held for interrogation.

“He (Egbegbe) is still in our custody. His associates have been debunking the allegation. He is still in detention. The CP even came to interrogate him this afternoon (Wednesday),” the source was quoted to have said.

Fatai Owoseni, commissioner of police, has reportedly visited the Area F Command, and has gotten a debrief of the situation.