The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has busted a three-man robbery gang terrorizing Ikot Abasi village in the Onna council area of the state.
In a statement issued by Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) ASP Timfon John, and made available to journalists in Uyo on Saturday, the robbery suspects were identified as John Okon Anta, Michael Osudua, and Inyene Joseph Edet.
The suspects allegedly attacked and robbed a victim at gunpoint, snatching his Qlink motorcycle, phones, and power bank charger. Items recovered from the suspected robbers included a locally made pistol used in their operations.
The statement reads in part: “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robbery syndicate that has been terrorizing Ikot Abasi village and its environs. In its intensified efforts, on July 1, 2024, at about 02:00 hrs, the Command arrested three members of the syndicate, namely John Okon Anta ‘M’, Michael Osudua ‘M’, and Inyene Joseph Edet ‘M’. They allegedly attacked and robbed a man (name withheld) at gunpoint, stealing his Qlink motorcycle, phones, and power bank charger.”
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had earlier robbed two houses in Afaha Ikot Abasi Village, taking cell phones and other valuable items. The suspects confessed to the crime and will be charged to court upon the completion of the investigation.
The Police Spokesperson explained that efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.
ASP Timfon John said that the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, CP Waheed Ayilara, reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure safety for all residents.
“The CP, while appreciating members of the public for their continuous support to the command, urged anyone with valuable information that will lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects to alert the command immediately through the nearest police station in the state,” the statement concluded.
