Police arrest six over robbery gang in Akwa Ibom

Etim Ekpimah

Police operatives in Akwa Ibom State have arrested six suspected members and associates of an armed robbery gang operating across Ikono, Ini and Obot Akara Local Government Areas.

The suspects were arrested during an early-morning coordinated clearance operation on Wednesday, following sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance targeting criminal hideouts linked to the gang.

Two single-barrel shotguns, a suspected stolen motorcycle, three laptops, charms and other fetish materials were recovered during the operation.

Among those arrested were a suspected native doctor accused of providing charms and other fetish preparations to members of the gang and another suspect alleged to specialise in producing fake receipts used to sell suspected stolen motorcycles and other valuables.

The police said the operation was conducted as part of efforts to dismantle the criminal network, which is suspected of being involved in the theft and disposal of motorcycles and other valuable property.

The suspects were identified as Peter Sabbath, 34, of Ikot Inyang Village, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area; Joseph Udo, 25, of Nung Ukim Ikot Okorie Village, Ikono; Victor Igwe, 23, of Mbiabong Ukan Ikot Etefia Village; Boniface Essiet, 37, of Ikot Akpan Ntim Village, Ikono; Simeon Udo, 47, of Itak Ikot Akpandem Village, Ikono; and Uko Akang of Asanting Village.

Police alleged that Igwe specialised in producing fake receipts used to facilitate the sale of suspected stolen motorcycles, while Essiet was identified as the suspected native doctor allegedly supplying charms and other fetish materials to gang members.

Akang was arrested in possession of a suspected stolen red Qlink motorcycle with registration number AUQ 73 VC, according to the command.

DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, said the arrests followed sustained intelligence-led efforts to dismantle the criminal network and apprehend its remaining members and associates.

John stated that charms and other fetish materials were recovered from the shrine of the suspected native doctor, alongside other items considered relevant to the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the operatives for their courage, professionalism and commitment to intelligence-led policing.

Azare ordered the investigators to intensify the probe to establish the individual roles of the suspects, recover more stolen property and identify and arrest other members or collaborators of the gang still at large.

The commissioner also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to disrupting criminal networks and denying criminals safe havens across the state.

The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.