Lagos Photographer Recovers Stolen Bag After Viral CCTV Footage

A Lagos-based photographer, Eman Pictures, whose bag containing a MacBook Pro and four external hard drives was stolen at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, has recovered all the items after offering a ₦500,000 reward for information leading to their recovery. The bag was reportedly stolen from the bride’s room on October 31 while the photographer was covering a wedding at the hotel. The four external hard drives contained footage from five weddings yet to be delivered to the couples, raising concerns about the possible loss of important memories and the photographer’s work.

Following the incident, Eman Pictures took to social media to seek public assistance, sharing a now-viral CCTV footage showing a man allegedly entering the room, taking the bag and leaving the hotel. In the appeal, the photographer explained that the stolen items included a MacBook Pro M1 and four hard drives containing footage from the five weddings. He also announced a ₦500,000 reward for credible information that could lead to the identification of the suspect and the recovery of the belongings through the appropriate authorities. The footage was widely shared by the event planner, Ms Deeeee, who had initially raised the alarm on X, and by other users who helped amplify the appeal.

In an update shared on Instagram on Thursday, Eman Pictures announced that the MacBook and all four hard drives had been recovered, although the files on the drives had been formatted. “I’m grateful to announce that my stolen MacBook and all four hard drives have been recovered. Although the hard drives had already been formatted, I’m thankful to have my equipment back,” the photographer wrote. The recovery was also confirmed by the event planner, who wrote, “Every item has been recovered; even though he formatted the files, it can still be retrieved back. A big thank you to everyone who came through to help out. God bless you.”

The development has brought relief to the photographer and the affected couples, with hopes that the formatted files can still be retrieved through data recovery. It has also renewed conversations about hotel security, the protection of valuables at events, and the power of social media and CCTV footage in tracking stolen items. The photographer thanked members of the public for their support, reposts and credible tips that contributed to the recovery.