Nigerian footballer Bright Osayi-Samuel has become entangled in a theft investigation in Türkiye after he reported the disappearance of a valuable wristwatch from his home in Üsküdar, Istanbul.
An investigation has been launched by the General Investigation Bureau of the Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office after Osayi reported the theft of a valuable wristwatch from his residence in Üsküdar.
According to reports by Sports Digitale, the player who had recently returned to Türkiye from abroad discovered that the watch was missing upon arrival at his home.
As part of the ongoing investigation, a Turkish woman identified as Ayşenur O., a friend of the footballer, provided a statement as a suspect in the case.
Super Eagles full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel. Photo Credit: X
She confirmed that the two had been acquaintances for three to four months and had spent time together on April 27, visiting an entertainment center in Şişli with friends.
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“I was just with him; it was very crowded,” she said. “Later, we went to his home in Üsküdar to collect his luggage because he was preparing to return to England.
We stayed at his apartment for about 20 to 25 minutes, and then we headed to Sabiha Gökçen Airport together.”
Ayşenur stated that she had not seen or heard from him since he left the country, until receiving a message one to one and a half months later via WhatsApp, accusing her of theft.
“He told me I had stolen his watch at his house. I told him, ‘If you have such an accusation, let’s go to the authorities together.’
I did not steal your watch. I didn’t even see your watch. I am innocent and reject the accusation.”
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In a counterstatement issued via his lawyer, the footballer acknowledged that he and Ayşenur spent time together that day, but emphasized that he was wearing the watch during their outing and had returned home with it.
Bright Osayi-Samuel. Photo Credit: X
“I believe that Ayşenur O. stole the watch when she came to my home because no one else had entered my residence since then,” he said.
“Camera footage confirms that I wore the watch that day and that I returned home afterwards.”
The incident reportedly occurred in late April, with the player discovering the watch missing during the first week of May, shortly after his return to Türkiye.
As of now, the case remains open and under active investigation by Turkish authorities.
