Suspect Arrested After 2.2 Million Birr Jewellery Theft in Addis Ababa

May 26, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

Addis Ababa Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the theft of gold jewellery and cash valued at more than 2.2 million birr from a residential home in the capital’s Yeka sub-city.

The suspect, identified as Yohannes Wondwossen, is alleged to have carried out the theft on May 21, 2026, in Woreda 12 of the area known as Zerfe Bono while the homeowners were attending a church service.

The stolen items included two gold necklaces valued at 900,000 birr, two gold bracelets worth 900,000 birr, earrings valued at 240,000 birr, and 170 US dollars. The total value was estimated at 2,201,500 birr.

The suspect was arrested within 12 hours of the complaint being filed. The stolen items were later recovered from a concealed location.

Addis Ababa Police credited the swift arrest and recovery to rapid investigative work and cooperation from the public.