Police nab tricycle robbery syndicate, recover 72 phones

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a tricycle robbery syndicate terrorising residents of Uyo metropolis and its environs.

Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Mohammed Azare, said that on 7th July 2025, the command received a petition from one Mr Aniekan Dan, aged 41 years.

He noted that on 3rd July 2025, around 7:00 pm, Dan reported that he and his wife were robbed while returning from Ibesikpo.

The CP stated that the couple boarded a tricycle from Ring Road 3 en route Nwaniba. He added that unknown to them, two other men already seated in the tricycle were members of a robbery gang.

“On getting to UniUyo Permanent Site Roundabout, the two supposed passengers, in collaboration with the tricycle rider, suddenly brought out a firearm and ordered the couple to surrender their belongings.

“They were dispossessed of an iPhone 12 Pro Max valued at ₦680,000, an iPhone 16 valued at ₦1,400,000, a Samsung S22 valued at ₦370,000, a cash sum of ₦28,200, and a handbag containing personal effects.

“After robbing and assaulting the victims, the suspects pushed them out of the moving tricycle. Fortunately, the victims managed to identify the MOT number (MOT–0BMR) of the fleeing tricycle, which proved vital in tracking down the culprits.

“Through intelligence-led investigation, police operatives arrested the tricycle rider, one Editi, aged 3, alongside the tricycle used in the operation. His voluntary statement led to the arrest of four other gang members, both within and outside Akwa Ibom State.

“Musa Idris Sanni, 31 years; Utibe Asuquo Nkop, 34 years; Dadati John, 46 years, and Abdulrashid Sanni, 28 years,” the CP stated.

Azare said the exhibits recovered from the suspects include three (3) tricycles and seventy-two (72) assorted mobile phones reasonably suspected to have been stolen from unsuspecting victims.

He, therefore, commended the swift response and professionalism exhibited by the operatives who effected the arrests.

Azare noted that the command under his leadership would not relent in ensuring that Akwa Ibom people sleep with their two eyes closed, noting that the police had called on all victims to visit their Area Command Uyo with proof of ownership and claim their phones, adding that the suspects would have their day in court after completion of the investigation.

Meanwhile, on Monday, October 13, 2025, a command operative intercepted a tricycle with number plate 298 WZ along Nasarawa Road, Uyo.

He said, “The tricycle, carrying five male occupants, was found to be loaded with a large quantity of assorted, brand-new household items, which immediately raised suspicion.

“The recovered items include: Five (5) industrial standing fans, Two (2) microwave ovens, one  bicycle, 50 pieces of stabilisers, three electric kettles, two brand new Startime decoders,  four pressing irons, one (1) DVD player, and several other goods.

“The five suspects arrested are: Muhammed Saifuana, ‘M,’ 32 years; Musa Abdulahi, ‘M’, 27 years; Samaila Sauwanu, ‘M’ aged 21 years, Mubansir Abubakar, ‘M’, 20 years, and  Adamu Umar, ‘m’ aged 25 years.

“I have since ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation to unravel the source of these items, ascertain their true ownership, and apprehend any other accomplices.”

He warned criminals in the state that, under his watch, would not tolerate any form of criminality, explaining that the police are closing in on criminal elements from all fronts, whether they operate on tricycles, in homes, or on the highways.

“These two cases highlight a crucial partnership, the vigilance of our citizens, as demonstrated by one of the victims and the proactive, dedicated response of our Police Officers,” he added.

Investigation is ongoing in both cases, and all suspects would be charged in court upon its conclusion.