CRIME NEWS: POLICE IN AKWA IBOM ARREST 269 CRIME SUSPECTS

The Evangelist News Edition, July 1, 2023.By Solomon Okpo

A total of 269 suspect are now in police net in Akwa Ibom for allegedly committing various crimes within the second quarter of this year.

This was disclosed by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi, while briefing the press in Uyo on activities of the command from April to June, 2023.

Durosinmi, who spoke at the state police headquarters at Ikot Akpan Abia, said the period under review encapsulated the pre and post inauguration period of the present government, with major highlights as the Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi crisis and the Nwaniba cult clash among others.

He mentioned the crimes allegedly committed by the suspects to include murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, rape and stealing, adding that while some of the suspect have been charged to court, others are still under investigation.

The Commissioner informed the press that on April 14, 2023, at about 10:30am, the vice chancellor of a private university in the state was kidnapped on his way home and two days later, operations of the Anti-kidnapping squad of the command arrested one Prince Thursday Okon, a former domestic staff of the vice chancellor who, with two of his gang members allegedly masterminded the kidnapping of the vice chancellor.

He named the two suspects as Saviour Sunday Luke and Richard Friday, all of Ikot Ebak Village in Mkpat Enin Local Government.

The commissioner said the sum of one million, two hundred and seventy thousand naira (#1,270,000) cash was recovered as part of the ransom paid, while two hundred and fifty thousand naira (#250,000) was left in one of the suspect’s account.

In addition to the above, the Toyota Corolla used for the operation was also recovered while the vice Chancellor has been reunited with his family.

Durosinmi also disclosed that on June 16, 2023, one Aniekan James of Ikot Ndot Village in Ukanafon Local Government was arrested for allegedly shooting his 35-years old only son, Odudu Aniekan James, who has been having war of words with him.

The suspect, the police said, is suspected to be a habitual murderer who had committed murders in Lagos and Aba in Abia State.

Also, on May 15, 2023 at about 8:05pm, one Edu Udeme Ime of Mbak Etoi in Uyo Local Government was arrested at Urua Ekpa Junction by the Commands Quick Response Squad for allegedly being in possession of a human skull and the suspect could not give any reasonable explanation as to why he was in possession of same, but named their ring leader who is a suspected ritualist.

The police boss further told reporters that on May 3, 2023 at about 11.05pm, the duo of Enyeneokpon Uben of Ikot Antia village and Gabriel Essien of Ndon Ebom village, both in Uruan Local Government, were arrested by operatives of the Anti-Narcotics Squad of the command for allegedly vandalizing and stealing part of airport gate facing the Okobo axis of the Victor Attah International Airport.

He added that while some of the vandalized parts have been recovered, efforts are being made to arrest other fleeing gang members.

Moreover, on June 13, 2023 at about 10.30am, five additional suspected cultists involved in the Nwaniba Brutal Cult Clash, which led to the painstaking investigation.

Those arrested include Kemfon Inyang Ime a.k.a. Laptop; Horgan Edema Epongedem a.k.a. Eburutu, Brown Uduak Emmanuel a.k.a. Spunky; Godwin Effiong Okon a.k.a. Buy and Buy; and Clement Sunday Udofia a.k.a. Ikang Inwang, the native doctor who prepares their charms.

Durosinmi further informed the press that on May 30, 2023, one Promise Chukwuemeka Anyanwu, a 37-year-old man from Abia State, who claims to be a medical doctor, was arrested by the SWAT Squad of the command.

The suspect, according to the police, specializes in obtaining goods under false pretence and staying in hotels, and thereafter gives fake bank credit alerts to those concerned.

The police added that the suspect has confessed to the crime and is helping the police in it’s investigation.

All suspects, the police said, would be charged to court at the completion of investigation.

Durosinmi reassured that as a command, the police remain committed to providing the best of policing services for the good of Akwa Ibom State in line with international best practices.

He thanked the government of Akwa Ibom State for the support, sister security agencies for the robust synergy, and the people of Akwa Ibom for the trust and partnership which has enabled the police to succeed in the state.

The police commissioner reiterated that his command is committed to ensuring that the state remains a destination of choice for investors and tourists alike.