September 15, (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has recorded major breakthroughs in its operations against violent crimes and fraud, with the arrest of a suspected nationwide fraud syndicate, recovery of stolen funds, and investigations into separate cases of murder and herders’ attack.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in Uyo on Monday, noting that the clampdown followed the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi.
According to her, operatives arrested three prime suspects believed to be behind a fraud ring that had allegedly defrauded politicians, security officers, and business leaders across the country.
The suspects, Prince Francis Albert, 27, alleged gang leader; Augustine Ernest Bassey, 39, a POS operator; and Mbetobong Godwin, 35, were picked up from their hideout in Ibesikpo Asutan on September 5, after months of technical and intelligence-led surveillance.
Albert, a graduate of Sokoto State Polytechnic, reportedly confessed to using multiple phone numbers and fake identities to lure victims, sourcing contacts from wedding invitations, obituary posters, and complimentary cards.
He admitted relocating to Akwa Ibom in April to evade arrest.
His accomplices, Bassey and Godwin, allegedly facilitated the scheme by channeling fraudulent proceeds through their OPay accounts.
Police said the suspects are cooperating in ongoing efforts to recover funds and track down fleeing members of the syndicate.
In a separate incident, the Command launched a manhunt for suspects who attacked a herder in Etoi village, Uyo, on September 11.
The assailants were said to have held the victim hostage, slaughtered one of his cows, and attempted to escape with the meat before police intervened.
On sighting the operatives, the suspects fled, abandoning six sacks of meat later identified by the Cattle Dealers Association as belonging to a herder from Jada LGA, Adamawa State.
The recovered meat has since been returned to its owner.
Also on September 11, a violent clash in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA claimed the life of a youth leader, Ekopimo Effiong Moses, 34, who was hacked to death in a machete duel with one Joseph Okon Eren, 37. Police confirmed the suspect has been arrested and the alleged murder weapon recovered.
The Command assured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging the public to report suspicious activities and support ongoing investigations.
