By AccraEvents.GH | UPDATE: WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE
The following article recounts REAL LIFE events that befell me. Therefore, this is evidence that my method, while unbelievable, has been tried and tested with positive results!
Like a number of Ghanaians, I eagerly anticipated WizKid on 10 December though not just for entertainment, but also professionally. Being AccraEvents.GH, I was gifted multiple VVIP All-Access passes. Equipped with VVIP All-Access tickets, I expected to cover the event comprehensively. But nothing could've prepared me for the night and subsequent days I was about to experience.
Upon arrival, it became evident that the organization was lacking, and rumors of troubles brewing within the WizKid camp added to the unease but we stayed hopeful that it was a temporary misunderstanding and marched on. Even with Ghana Man Time, an event of this magnitude and caliber at the Accra Sports Stadium, should be relatively packed by 11PM but this was not. Despite the sparse attendance and haphazard setup, the DJs and event MC worked tirelessly to uplift the atmosphere. As the night progressed, WizKid's absence grew conspicuous, yet the crowd remained hopeful.
As the event progressed, organizers recognized the sparse attendance and opted to distribute free tickets to fill the venue. This strategy proved effective in creating a fuller atmosphere. Despite the initial setbacks, the DJs kept the energy high with popular tunes, while celebrity artists such as Lasmid, Gyakie, and a faux Asake entertained the crowd. Determined to maximize my all-access passes, I decided to make the best use of my all access passes before eventually heading home.
As I explored the venue, I learned that a direct transition from backstage to the popular stands was not possible, prompting me to exit and re-enter the venue. However, as I attempted to return, the convergence of sparse security, an influx of individuals with free tickets, and overall poor organization exacerbated the situation. Amidst the chaos, the crowd was tightly packed, jostling and pulling in all directions, while security personnel exerted their authority with forceful shoving. Maneuvering through this tumultuous scene was an arduous task, but eventually, I managed to make my way back inside. Upon re-entry, I noticed my bag was opened, leaving me with a sinking realization that my phone had been stolen.
Recognizing the futility of immediate action, I turned to the "FindMyPhone" app in a desperate attempt to locate my device. To my dismay, the app revealed that my phone had already departed the event premises, pinpointing its location in Christianborg within minutes of the incident. With little recourse left, I reluctantly gathered my companions and departed for home, resigned to the unfortunate loss.
Infamously, as the story goes and as we all already know, WIZKID NEVER SHOWED UP!
The following morning, as we we recounted the litany of mishaps and disappointments and shared laughter over the dismal concert experience, the topic of my lost phone surfaced, triggering a sudden determination within me. I made a resolute decision: I refused to accept defeat without a fight. I voiced my determination to locate my missing device which was met with initial skepticism and laughter from my companions. The chuckles from my friends quickly subsided, replaced by a dawning realization that I was not joking.
I checked the "FindMyPhone" app for the last known location of my phone, took a screenshot, saved the GPS link, dressed down, and made some enquiries about how to proceed on my social media. I asked amongst my followers for macho volunteers to join me on my quest, but I headed to the police station before receiving any responses.
Following a grueling five-hour ordeal spent filing a police report, answering repetitive questions from the police and commiserating with fellow victims of theft from the concert, I found myself at a crossroads. Despite the setbacks, I realized there was nothing more I could do but enjoy life and resume my search the next day, since it was past 8PM. Recognizing that even amidst adversity, there is still enjoyment to be had, I resolved to carry on with life by temporarily setting aside my quest in exchange for an exciting night out.
Undeterred by the lack of assistance from the authorities, I took matters into my own hands the next day in my quest to recover my missing phone. Armed with the "FindMyPhone" app, I meticulously tracked its location and snapped screenshots each time I checked the app. With a sense of determination propelling me forward, I resolved to head towards the last known location of my phone, believing it to be the residence of the thief responsible for its disappearance.
Assisted by some street boys I had connected with through social media, I embarked on a journey into the lesser-known area of Jamestown, a community situated near the landfill. Following the guidance of Google Maps, we made our way to the suspected location of my phone. As we arrived, the stark reality of poverty in this neighborhood became unmistakably clear.
The residents dwelled in cramped, incomplete wooden shacks, lacking access to basic necessities. We ventured into the closest shack to the location pin provided by Google and inquired about the stolen phone. The residents claimed ignorance of the matter. However, during our discussion with them, one of the street boys noticed that the wristband distributed ONLY at the Wizkid concert was lying on the floor of an adjacent open shack.
This discovery confirmed that we were indeed in the right place.
With confirmation that we were in the right place, nothing could halt the escalation of events. The owner of the adjacent incomplete shack attempted to defend himself by suggesting that the wristband belonged to a friend who frequented his shack for liaisons. However, after persistent questioning, he eventually relented and confessed the truth. He admitted to being the pickpocket who stole my phone, revealing that he had already sold it to the highest bidder the day before. With this confession, we knew we had found the culprit.
We requested that he lead us to the buyer and he informed us that the individual resided in a dangerous part of town (known among locals and those involved in illicit activities as the black market). Despite initial reluctance, the man eventually agreed to guide us to the buyer. To reach this district, we had to traverse a river of landfill, which we were cautioned not to approach closely. We were informed that there was a high risk of getting trapped and drowning amidst the garbage. After paying the required fee to cross the precarious bridge, we embarked on our journey into the dangerous Konkomba Black Market.
Upon our arrival, the individual we sought was nowhere to be found. However, we encountered his wife, who informed us that her husband had recently departed to vend merchandise in another sector of the black market. It was highly probable that my phone was among the items he was selling. Despite gaining insight into the whereabouts of my phone, the issue remained unresolved as I still did not have it in my possession. Faced with this dilemma, our group, comprising the street boys, my friend, and myself, returned to my car to contemplate our next course of action in light of this new information.
After deliberation, we concluded that the thief needed to face consequences for his actions or be detained to prevent him from fleeing. With this in mind, it was agreed that I should take him to the police station where I had filed the initial report. Accompanied by a couple of street boys, I drove the thief to the police station. Upon arrival, we narrated our ordeal to Officer Naaba, a professional and helpful member of the police force. He meticulously recorded our statements, obtained a confession from the perpetrator, and proceeded to detain him, ensuring that justice was served.
After the incident at the police station, we decided to shake off the stress and hit the town to celebrate life. However, days passed without any updates, and I began to lose hope of recovering my lost files. Then, out of the blue, I received a call from an unknown number instructing me to return to the landfill to identify my phone. Without hesitation, I rushed to the landfill, picking up the street boys on the way. Upon arrival, I was met by the boss of the neighborhood, BloodNation Jay Z, who held my phone in his hand. Excitedly, I confirmed that the phone was indeed mine and expressed my eagerness to reclaim it. However, the vendors at the black market had a condition: I had to return the thief I had taken to jail in exchange for my phone. Without hesitation, I agreed to the trade, as my priority was retrieving my phone and files rather than seeking retribution against the thief, who was likely acting out of desperation.
When I arrived at the police station to drop the charges against the criminal, the officers were visibly upset and reluctant to comply. They questioned my decision not to pursue a court case. Despite the criminal's confession, the evidence provided including the Google Maps trail, the WizKid armband, and witness testimony, they had previously informed me that my case was weak before Officer Naaba stepped in. These officers were initially dismissive and unhelpful but now seemed concerned about losing credit for apprehending the criminal. Their attempts to dissuade me included 'power play' by having the police chief call me to persuade me, pleas, being rude and confrontational, accusing me of wasting their time, emotional manipulation, and even threats. When all else failed, they resorted to stalling tactics, leaving the station for hours in an attempt to wear me down (this became evident as the strategy when they were shocked to see me upon their return). However, I remained steadfast, refusing to leave until the matter was resolved. After six hours of back-and-forth, they relented, releasing the thief, returning my phone, and closing the case.
SUMMARY OF STEPS
Track Your Phone: Use the "FindMyPhone" app to track the last known location of your phone. Save the location as a link in a document for reference.
Document Evidence: Visit a police station to file an official police report documenting the incident. This report serves as evidence.
Save Progress: Take screenshots of the "FindMyPhone" app each time you check the location of your phone to document your progress.
Seek Local Assistance: Enlist the help of individuals familiar with the area to accompany you during your search.
Act Promptly: Waste no time and head to the next known location from where the phone was stolen, as this is likely the thief's base.
Stay Vigilant: Pay close attention to your surroundings and any suspicious behavior that may indicate the presence of the thief.
Apprehend Suspects: If you identify potential suspects, approach them and inquire about the stolen phone.
Remain Persistent: Stay determined and persistent in your search efforts. Luck may be on your side, leading to the recovery of your phone. 🍀
It wasn't an easy, pretty or smooth ordeal, but it worked. I successfully retrieved my phone and have been able to enjoy my holidays. This experience taught me valuable lessons, and I hope it can help others in similar situations. Remember, always back up your files to prevent such losses in the future.
UPDATE: WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE
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