Police Nab 4 Over Murder, Kidnapping In A/Ibom

By INIOBONG EKPONTA, Uyo

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested two armed robbery and kidnapping kingpins, alleged to have abducted one person and killed another in Ikot Itienang village, Etinan local government area of the state.

Two other suspected accomplices believed to be the buyers of the stolen items were also seized, according to the Police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this to journalists at the command’s headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, at the weekend.

She said, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in the investigation into an armed robbery operation during which one person was murdered and another kidnapped at Ikot Itienang village, near Ekom Iman axis of Etinan LGA.”

She explained that the arrest followed a petition on the incident addressed to the Commissioner of Police (CP), Baba Azare, who drafted a team of detectives “to commence an intelligence-led investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending those responsible for the heinous crime.”

DSP John, stated that “the painstaking investigation led to the arrest of two suspected members of the armed robbery gang identified as one Gospel  Effiong, a.k.a. “Python,” and Solomon Okon, a.k.a. “Plane.”

She added that in the course of the investigation, two other suspects were also arrested in connection with the crime, and identified them to include Musa Kabiru,  from Plateau State, and Victor Dickson, alleged to be the receiver of some of the stolen items.

During raid of one of the suspects’ house, she recalled, the Police recovered some other incriminating items from Solomon Okon, a.k.a. “Plane”, listing them to include a locally – made pistol with one cartridge; a large quantity of suspected Indian hemp; a red cap bearing the inscription “Supreme Red Skin Confraternity, object suspected to be charm and others.

“The Command views the development as a major step forward in its efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for violent crimes and to bring perpetrators of murder, kidnapping and armed robbery to justice.

“The Commissioner of Police commends the detectives for their diligence, professionalism and intelligence-led approach to the investigation.

“The Commissioner reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that persons involved in violent crimes are identified, apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.

“Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing the Police with credible and timely information that could assist in tracking down fleeing suspects and preventing criminal activities across the State,” she stressed.