Police nab stolen phone receiver, recover loot
*Azare, displaying how thieves use phone cases to steal phones from Nigerians.
Etim Ekpimah
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected receiver and distributor of stolen mobile phones linked to an armed robbery syndicate, recovered dozens of suspected stolen devices and other items, and prosecuted a man accused of spreading false security information capable of causing public panic.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, on Wednesday, Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare said the Command remained committed to intelligence-led policing and proactive operations to combat crime across the state.
Azare disclosed that operatives, acting on credible intelligence related to a recent armed robbery incident along the Calabar–Itu Road corridor, arrested Musa Idris, who is suspected of receiving and distributing stolen mobile phones on behalf of an armed robbery network.
According to the Commissioner, investigations revealed that Idris had previously been arrested in October 2025 for alleged armed robbery-related offences and possession of more than 200 assorted Android phones suspected to have been stolen. He was initially released on bail due to insufficient evidence but was subsequently rearrested after fresh evidence emerged linking him to the offences.
Items recovered from the suspect included 34 assorted Android phones, two feature phones, a standing fan, an 80,000mAh power bank, a rechargeable table fan, a tricycle with registration number AFG 64 WO, a jackknife and quantities of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
The commissioner said the recovered phones were believed to be proceeds of armed robbery operations carried out within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
He added that the suspect had provided useful information to investigators, including details of a wider criminal network allegedly involved in the movement and resale of stolen phones beyond Nigeria’s borders. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate who remain at large.
On the issue of false security alerts, Azare announced the conclusion of investigations into a case involving Akaninyene Udo, popularly known on social media as “AK Philo”, who allegedly circulated a message captioned, “Eket get ready for us”, alongside an image of an armed bandit.
He said the suspect had been charged before a competent court and remanded in a correctional facility pending further proceedings.
Azare warned that creating, publishing or disseminating false security information capable of causing public panic is a criminal offence and that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The commissioner also announced the commencement of a statewide enforcement exercise targeting vehicles operating with covered, altered, obscured, defaced or missing registration plates.
He said the operation, which is in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, is intended to strengthen crime-prevention efforts, improve public safety, and prevent criminals from exploiting unregistered or concealed vehicles.
The commissioner urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and that their number plates remain visible and compliant with existing regulations.
He also commended the Inspector-General of Police for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and operational readiness of police personnel, including the provision of first-aid kits to police commands nationwide.
Azare further announced that several officers of the command would receive certificates of commendation for exemplary professionalism and dedication to duty following public praise captured in a viral social media video.
On this note, he presented certificates of honour and commendation to two officers, Inspector Charles Asuquo and Inspector Asakhia Festus, in recognition of their exceptional professionalism, dedication to duty and prompt response, especially around the stadium area. He added that their actions attracted widespread public commendation and were described as exemplary.
In a bid to reduce fatalities and provide timely assistance to road accident victims, the command began distributing First Aid bags to all units and formations throughout the state, equipped with first-aid kits to respond to emergencies and render immediate assistance to injured persons.
The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to public safety and urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to aid crime-fighting efforts across the state.
