Press Release
A 70-year-old man alongside three others are in Akwa Ibom Police Command net for attempted murder and alleged involvement in cult-related activities in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of the state.
The other suspects were identified as John Samson, 45; Emmanuel Asuquo, 50; and Idorenyin Umoh, 22. They were apprehended on March 20, 2026, at Ikot Asukpong Village in Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, stated this in a statement issued in Uyo on Friday, noting that the septuagenarian, one Okon Akpan, and other suspects were arrested following credible intelligence as part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of violent crimes and criminal elements.
According to the statement, the arrest followed the approval of a petition bordering on alleged attempted murder, malicious damage, and cult-related activities in the area.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant operational breakthrough in its sustained efforts to rid the state of violent crimes and criminal elements.
“Following the approval of a petition bordering on alleged attempted murder, malicious damage, and cult-related activities, operatives of the command swung into action with precision and professionalism.
“Acting on credible intelligence, detectives successfully apprehended four suspects on March 20, 2026, at Ikot Asukpong Village in Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
“During the operation, one locally fabricated pistol and two long guns were recovered from the suspects, further substantiating allegations of their involvement in violent and unlawful activities,” the statement read in part.
The police spokesperson also said that investigations were ongoing to track other members of the suspected criminal gang and assured residents of proactive measures to prevent any breach of peace.
“The command wishes to assure members of the public that the situation in the area remains calm and under control, as proactive measures have been put in place to forestall any breach of peace.
“Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the statement added.
In another development, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected house burglar in Uyo Local Government Area.
The action recorded another operational success in its sustained efforts to combat burglary and related crimes across the state.
In a press release signed by DSP Timfon John, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer for Commissioner of Police on Saturday, 21 March, 2026 said ‘‘On 17th March 2026 at about 0330hrs, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command conducted a targeted operation around Aka Road and its environs in Uyo.
‘‘During the operation, two suspected shop burglars were arrested. The suspects are: Idiongo Johnny, male, 29 years and Ofonime Jimmy, male, 30 years. Both are residents of Uyo.’’
According to the statement, ‘‘Items recovered from the suspects include one locally made pistol, one live cartridge, multiple bunches of keys suspected to be master keys, one iron cutter, and one mobile phone. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in shop burglary activities within the area.
‘‘In a swift follow-up operation aimed at expanding the investigation and dismantling the criminal network, two suspected receivers of stolen items were also arrested. They are: Innocent Nnaukwu, male, 39 years and Ali Ibrahim, male, 24 years
‘‘Recovered from the receivers were two generators, one welding coil, and one car battery suspected to have been stolen.’’
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commends the operatives for their professionalism and assures the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover more stolen items.
The Command reiterates its commitment to protecting lives and property and urges residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police.
