The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded major operational breakthroughs in its sustained war against cultism, armed robbery, cyber-enabled fraud, impersonation, vandalism, and other criminal activities threatening public peace and development within the State.
A statement signed by the command public relations officer DSP Timfon John said in a series of intelligence-driven operations conducted across different parts of the State, operatives of the Command successfully arrested multiple suspects involved in criminal conspiracy, cyber fraud, impersonation, theft of government property, cult-related activities, and unlawful possession of firearms.
It said the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering resolve to rid the State of all forms of criminality and ensure that Akwa Ibom remains hostile and unbearable for criminals.
1. ARREST OF SUSPECTS OVER THEFT OF SCHOOL RENOVATION MATERIALS
On 21st May, 2026, at about 1150hrs, the Chief Security Officer of a Federal Government College,( name withheld) reported that some renovation materials belonging to the school had been stolen from the premises.
The stolen items, mainly burglary proofs meant for the ongoing renovation of hostel blocks within the institution, were carefully removed from where they had been secured for the Federal Government-backed project.
Upon receipt of the report, operatives of the Command immediately commenced a discreet investigation which led to the arrest of the following suspects:
SUSPECTS ARRESTED:
1. David Ukpe ‘M’, 36 years, a security guard attached to the school.
2. Emmanuel Johnny ‘M’, 49 years.
3. Murtala Muhammad ‘M’, 24 years.
4. Sani Abubakar ‘M’, 41 years.
EXHIBITS RECOVERED:
1. Stolen burglary proofs removed from the school renovation site.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects conspired to steal and illegally sell the renovation materials for personal gain. The suspects reportedly confessed to the crime and are currently assisting investigators with useful information aimed at arresting other collaborators and recovering additional stolen items.
The Commissioner of Police described the act as a direct sabotage of government developmental efforts and a gross betrayal of public trust, especially by persons entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding public property.
1. ARREST OF SUSPECTED NOTORIOUS FRAUDSTER IMPERSONATING COMMISSIONER FOR FINANCE
In another major breakthrough against cybercrime and criminal deception, operatives of the Command arrested one suspected notorious fraudster who allegedly specialized in impersonating the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Emem Bob, to defraud unsuspecting members of the public
The suspect, identified as:
1. Imeobong Akpan ‘M’ of Ikot Ekpene Udo Village, Nsit Ubium LGA, was arrested following a credible complaint lodged on 22nd May, 2026, at about 2230hrs,
that an unknown individual had been fraudulently using the name, official identity, and photographs of the Honorable Commissioner on fake social media platforms to deceive members of the public.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, detectives were swiftly deployed to Ewet Housing axis where the suspect was successfully apprehended.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly created fake WhatsApp and Facebook accounts bearing the identity of the Commissioner for Finance and used same to deceive unsuspecting job seekers, particularly young women desperate for employment opportunities.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to:
1. Impersonating the Commissioner for Finance.
2. Fraudulently posing as the Personal Assistant to the Commissioner.
3. Luring over ten ladies to hotels under false promises of securing government jobs.
4. Obtaining money and exploiting victims through deceitful means.
EXHIBITS RECOVERED:
1. One mobile phone.
2. Other electronic devices currently undergoing forensic analysis.
Investigations are ongoing to uncover additional accomplices, identify more victims, and determine the full extent of the criminal network.
The Command warns members of the public to remain vigilant against fraudsters who exploit the identities of public officials to perpetrate criminal acts and advises citizens to verify suspicious online claims before engaging in any financial or personal dealings.
3. ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTISTS/ARMED ROBBERS IN IKOT EKPENE
In a separate intelligence-led operation aimed at combating cultism and violent crimes, operatives of the Command on 22nd May, 2026, at about 2100hrs, intercepted and arrested two suspected cultists and armed robbery suspects while moving under suspicious circumstances on a QLINK motorcycle within Ikot Ekpene LGA.
The suspects arrested are:
1. Iniobong Albert ‘M’, 24 years, of Ibiakpan Ikot Edim Village in Ibiono LGA, an HND 1 Civil Engineering student of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
2. Daniel Akpan ‘M’ of Ebo Itubunuso in Ini LGA, currently residing at Abiakpo Ntak Inyang Village in Ikot Ekpene LGA.
EXHIBITS RECOVERED:
1. One locally made shotgun.
2. Two live cartridges.
3. One suspected protective charm.
4. One Android phone.
5. One green cross bag.
6. One QLINK motorcycle.
During interrogation, the principal suspect, Iniobong Albert, reportedly confessed to being a member of the proscribed cult group known as Ku Klux Klans (KKK) Confraternity and admitted that the suspects were on an unlawful mission before their arrest.
The suspect has also volunteered useful information currently aiding ongoing operations targeted at arresting fleeing gang members and recovering additional arms and dangerous weapons.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for cultism, armed robbery, cybercrime, vandalism, impersonation, and all forms of violent criminality within the State.
He warned criminals, cultists, economic saboteurs, vandals, fraudsters, and other lawless elements to either repent immediately or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
According to the CP: “Akwa Ibom State will not be a safe haven for criminals. The Command has strengthened intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and strategic policing across all divisions to ensure that criminal elements are identified, tracked, and brought to justice. Anyone involved in cultism, cyber fraud, vandalism of public infrastructure, armed robbery, impersonation, or any form of criminal conspiracy will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law.”
The Command further assures law-abiding residents that operations against criminal hideouts, black spots, cult enclaves, cybercrime syndicates, and economic saboteurs have been intensified across the State.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information capable of exposing criminal activities within their communities.
