June 17, (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected receiver of stolen mobile phones linked to an armed robbery syndicate, while also confirming the prosecution of a social media user accused of spreading false security information to cause public panic.
The State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at his office at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, where he outlined recent operational successes recorded by the Command.
Azare said police operatives, acting on credible intelligence in connection with a recent armed robbery incident along the Calabar-Itu Road corridor, arrested one Musa Idris, alleged to be a receiver and distributor of mobile phones stolen by an armed robbery network.
According to the police chief, investigations revealed that the suspect had previously been arrested in October 2025 for offences related to armed robbery and possession of more than 200 assorted Android phones suspected to have been stolen.
Items recovered from the suspect included 34 assorted Android phones, two button phones, a standing fan, an 80,000mAh power bank, a rechargeable table fan, a tricycle bearing registration number AFG 64 WO, a jackknife and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
“The recovered phones are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of armed robbery operations carried out by criminal elements operating within and outside Akwa Ibom State”, Azare stated.
He added that the suspect had provided useful information to investigators and allegedly exposed a wider criminal network involved in the movement and resale of stolen phones beyond Nigeria’s borders. The Commissioner said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate.
The police boss also announced the conclusion of investigations into a case involving Akaninyene Udo, popularly known on social media as “AK Philo”, who allegedly circulated a threatening message captioned, “Eket get ready for us”, alongside the image of an armed bandit.
Azare disclosed that the suspect had been arraigned before a competent court and remanded in a correctional facility.
He warned that the creation and dissemination of false security alerts and misleading information capable of causing public panic remained criminal offences punishable under the law.
In another development, the Commissioner announced the commencement of a statewide enforcement exercise against vehicles operating with covered, altered, obscured, defaced or missing registration number plates.
He explained that the operation, initiated in compliance with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, is to strengthen crime prevention efforts and prevent criminals from exploiting concealed or unregistered vehicles for unlawful activities.
The Commissioner urged motorists across the state to ensure that their vehicles are duly registered and that registration plates remain visible and compliant with extant regulations.
Azare also commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and operational readiness of officers, including the provision of first aid boxes to police commands nationwide.
He further disclosed that some officers of the Akwa Ibom State Command would receive Certificates of Commendation for professionalism and exemplary service following public recognition captured in a viral social media video.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to security, Azare called on residents to continue providing timely and credible information to assist law enforcement agencies in combating crime across the state.
“We shall not relent in our efforts to ensure that criminals have no hiding place within our jurisdiction. Together, we shall continue to build a safer and more secure Akwa Ibom State”, he said.
