In a bizarre incident, a young man was caught red-handed stealing a bottle of Campari wine from a supermarket along Aka Etinan Road in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria.
The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was apprehended by supermarket staff and security personnel after he was caught concealing the wine in his clothing.
Upon being caught, the man was subjected to a beating by an angry mob, and his clothes were torn, leaving him partially stripped.
However, it was during his subsequent interrogation that the motive behind his actions left onlookers stunned.
According to eyewitnesses, the man confessed that he stole the wine to celebrate his girlfriend’s birthday.
He claimed that he wanted to surprise her with a special gift, but lacked the financial means to purchase the wine.
The incident has sparked a mix of reactions from the public, with some condemning the man’s actions as unacceptable, while others have expressed sympathy for his plight.
“It’s unfortunate that he resorted to stealing, but it’s also clear that he was driven by a desire to make his girlfriend happy,” said one eyewitness.
The supermarket management has declined to comment on the incident, but it is understood that the man has been handed over to the authorities and is facing charges for theft.