Police bust fraud syndicate, rescue elderly victim in Uyo

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismantled a suspected fraud syndicate operating within Uyo metropolis and its environs, arresting three suspects and rescuing an elderly victim.

According to the command, the operation was carried out on Monday, February 3, 2026, around 3:30 pm., following credible intelligence received from a concerned and public-spirited individual.

The intelligence revealed the activities of a group of fraudsters, locally known as “Utotoh,” who allegedly specialised in deceiving unsuspecting members of the public.

The suspects reportedly used an operational tricycle to lure and convey victims, after which they employed deceptive means to dispossess them of money and other valuables.

Acting swiftly on the information, operatives of the command arrested the following suspects: Otoabasi Ekpeyong, 51; Ubong Sylvanus, 42; and Sunday Akpan, 60.

During the operation, an 81-year-old pensioner, identified as Friday, was rescued unhurt from the suspects.

Police also recovered the suspects’ operational tricycle, with number plate UFG-886-QA, which was found without a motor number.

The suspects reportedly confessed to the crime, admitting that they had fraudulently obtained money and property from several individuals within Uyo and surrounding communities.

Investigations are ongoing to identify and reach out to other victims, obtain their statements, and arrest other members of the syndicate who are currently at large.

The command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and called on residents to continually provide timely and credible information to the police to support crime-fighting efforts.

The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command.