The Eastern Regional Police Command says 57-year-old Nsiah Samuel was arrested near Somanya over alleged shoplifting captured in viral TikTok videos.

Published 7 Nov 2026, 19:55 GMT

2 min read

Suspect in police custody, face blurred — The 57-year-old suspect in police custody (face blurred)

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Police in the Eastern Region have arrested a 57-year-old man they suspect is the man seen shoplifting in a series of videos that went viral on TikTok and other platforms.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, November 7, and signed by Chief Inspector Bridget Opoku of the Regional Public Affairs Unit, police named the suspect as Nsiah Samuel, describing him as a self-styled chief and minister of the gospel residing at Akrade in the Asuogyaman District.

Officers from the Somanya District Police Command arrested him at a hideout at Akrade near Somanya at about 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 5. The operation followed joint intelligence work with the Borteyman Police in Greater Accra, according to the Ghana Police Service.

The arrest came after closed-circuit television clips purportedly showing the same man taking items from shops circulated widely online, prompting public calls for police action.

According to the police statement, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect admitted during interrogation to stealing consumable goods, electronic devices, clothing and other retail merchandise from outlets across southern Ghana.

Police listed Kibi, Suhum, Koforidua and Akosombo in the Eastern Region, as well as Accra Central, Tema, Ashaiman and Adenta in the Greater Accra Region, among the towns where the alleged thefts took place.

The Eastern Regional Police Command said the suspect has been transferred into the custody of the Borteyman Police in Accra to assist with ongoing investigations before being put before court.

The Police Service thanked shop owners and members of the public whose vigilance and sharing of video evidence on social media helped officers track down the suspect.

Police did not state the total value of the items allegedly stolen or the exact date the suspect will be arraigned.

Araba IncoomAraba Incoom writes on multiple topics with a vast knowledge across different sector. You can almost call me an AI, after all, my initials are Araba Incoom.

Police arrest 57-year-old self-styled chief and pastor over viral shoplifting videos

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