Nollywood actor Stan Nze has expressed outrage over the theft of several mobile phones during a memorial event held in honour of late actor Alexx Ekubo, describing the incident as a troubling reflection of society’s declining moral values.
The service of songs, attended by family, friends, and colleagues from the entertainment industry, was organised to celebrate the life of Ekubo, who died on May 11, 2026, following a battle with kidney cancer.
Speaking in a video shared after the ceremony, Nze, who served as the event host, revealed that at least five phones were reported missing.
“I hosted my dear friend’s, my brother’s service of song last night, and it was one of the hardest things to do, but what I want to address is the fact that at that service of songs, over five phones went missing, and this I’m saying five phones because I don’t want to exaggerate,” he said.
According to him, some of the victims were people he personally knew, including actress Susan Peters. Reality television personality Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan, popularly known as BamBam, also disclosed that her phone was stolen during the gathering.
She added that two other individuals in her group lost their devices as well.
Nze explained that the situation became so serious that organisers temporarily restricted movement at the venue while attempts were made to recover the missing phones.
Reflecting on the incident, the actor questioned how anyone could take advantage of people who had gathered to mourn a departed colleague.
“It just got me thinking, how do you come to a place where people are mourning, where people are grieving and you steal from them? Okay, let’s even leave God aside, what has happened to our conscience as a people?” he asked.
The actor also used the incident to highlight what he described as a broader societal problem, arguing that citizens must take responsibility for their actions instead of placing all blame on political leaders.
“At a point, they had to block the gate that people would not leave until they found the phones. Oh God, the government is not our problem. I don’t think government is our problem. Even if we chase everybody in government now out, who will lead? Who will do the job?” he said.
Nze maintained that national development requires both effective leadership and responsible citizenship, stressing that honesty, empathy, and accountability are essential values that should guide everyday conduct.
“You’re saying the government is bad, but you are wicked. You’re not kind, not with your words, not with giving, not with sympathy. We’re not kind people. I feel this is the height of it. Where people are mourning, you come to steal from them, add more sorrow to them,” he stated.
He further urged Nigerians to stand against wrongdoing and embrace values that promote compassion and integrity.
