A UK-based Ghanaian pastor was hospitalized following a shocking incident during a live-streamed prayer session, when masked thieves snatched his iPhone in broad daylight.
Apostle Isaac Anderson was conducting morning prayers on Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London, on Monday, September 23, when two cyclists wearing balaclavas approached him around 6:30 a.m. and stole his iPhone 16 Pro Max, according to reports.
The theft occurred 17 minutes into Anderson’s Facebook Live broadcast, abruptly disconnecting the stream as hundreds of church members watched in real time. Video footage shows Anderson walking and engaging followers when a masked individual on a bicycle snatched the phone from behind, leaving viewers uncertain about his safety.
In a subsequent video message, Anderson described the incident. “This morning, I was walking and doing a live session to declare blessings upon people’s lives. Suddenly, someone on a bike came from behind and snatched my phone, an iPhone 16 Pro Max, right out of my hand,” he explained.
The pastor was hospitalized following the attack, though details of his medical condition have not been disclosed. Congregants expressed concern over the psychological impact of the robbery on their spiritual leader.
London’s Metropolitan Police have not issued an official statement, but phone snatching by cyclists has become increasingly common in the capital. Walthamstow, in northeast London, has seen rising street crime in recent years, highlighting security challenges for pedestrians and public figures.
The incident underscores growing concerns about safety for content creators and religious leaders conducting outdoor live broadcasts. Many pastors have embraced streaming to reach wider audiences, particularly since pandemic-related restrictions on in-person gatherings.
Anderson’s congregation has launched prayer campaigns for his recovery while expressing relief that he was unharmed physically. Church members emphasized that the pastor frequently conducted outdoor prayer walks, connecting with followers across Ghana, the UK, and internationally.
The theft has sparked social media discussions about personal safety during public religious activities, with authorities advising streamers to remain vigilant and avoid displaying expensive equipment in areas known for street crime.
The episode highlights the vulnerability of public figures conducting live broadcasts and the broader challenges of mobile phone theft in London.
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