A Nigerian man has come under intense scrutiny after he was allegedly caught on CCTV stealing a phone at a gym, prompting a wave of reports from other users who claim to have been victims of similar incidents involving the same suspect.
The shocking footage, which has since gone viral on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), shows the suspect casually moving about the gym, pretending to be a legitimate member. In the video, he is seen loitering near gym equipment, observing his surroundings before cleverly using his cap to snatch a phone left unattended.
The clip captures him exiting the premises moments after the act, seemingly unaware that the gym’s CCTV cameras had recorded everything. Following the video's circulation, multiple individuals came forward to allege that the same man has been responsible for several gym thefts across Nigeria.
Popular social media users, including @UnclePamilerin and @RetroactiveTB, were among those who shared their outrage and suspicions online. According to them, the alleged thief’s method involves posing as a fitness enthusiast, gaining temporary access to gyms, and then making off with valuables.
Many have raised questions about gym security and registration procedures, demanding tighter access control and member verification protocols to prevent further incidents. The viral nature of the video has fueled calls for the public’s help in identifying and apprehending the suspect, who is believed to be at large and potentially continuing the same criminal pattern.
Below are some of the notable reactions from concerned Nigerians:
@Winifunds: “Hope he was caught.”
@RetroactiveTB: “I swear he stole my phone 2 months ago in another gym.”
@Oludaily_: “He’s coming back again in two weeks time.”
@Roodie77: “He no even look like person wey come gym lol.”
@tboss_guy: “As the guy dey throw leg and looks hungry, una suppose know sey him get alterior motive. He looks odd in that environment.”
@iamstretch_: “Pesin go dey pity this one now when he’s eventually caught and hands start to dey touch am.”
@FolajeuwoNelson: “Going to the gym with Cap 🧢 on? It’s suspicious but everyone just dey mind their business Sha.”
@RetroactiveTB: “Ples which gym is this I need to know if they catch this guy.”
@Osegeee: “I thought only registered members use gym, do people just come in pay and use the gym? GT library I use everyday you must show I’d card and they will take your names and number. How this gym have no info for you?”
WATCH VIDEO:
Ples if you caught him Ples I’ll love to follow up on his case cuz this gym couldn’t provide his information pic.twitter.com/3Xb5KUBrdY
— folarihn.calderans.eth (Ø,G) ⛺ (@RetroactiveTB) June 3, 2025
Caught on camera: man in blue shorts steals phone at the gym this morning. pic.twitter.com/Ca8o4UMhTz
— Pamilerin Adegoke (@UnclePamilerin) June 3, 2025