Police arrest notorious suspected burglars, cultists in Uyo, recover stolen properties
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced the arrest of several suspects allegedly involved in a series of burglary and theft incidents in Uyo, the state capital.
The Commissioner of Police, Mohamed Azare, disclosed this during a media briefing at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, on Tuesday. He said the arrests followed multiple complaints from Uyo residents and business owners over frequent cases of burglary and vandalism.
Azare identified the suspects as Israel Udo (alias Okpo), 22, of Nung Obio Enang Village, Idoro, Uyo; Nsikak Okon, 23; and Okechukwu Livinus, 23, of Abak Road, Uyo.
He stated that two Kunata dry cell batteries (20Ah), a hand saw, and two pliers used for breaking into shops were recovered from the three male suspects, who confessed to being members of a cult group involved in serial burglaries across the Uyo metropolis.
The commissioner also revealed that the Command, in collaboration with Marine Hunters, intercepted and arrested one Samuel Geofrey, 27, a native of Atakpere Community in Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State, for alleged involvement in sea piracy and kidnapping.
He said that upon interrogation, the suspect disclosed that his rifle was in the custody of the village head of Eyoabasi fishing village, Kingdom Bane.
“Operatives immediately stormed the village. Though the village head fled upon sighting the teams, a search of his makeshift residence led to the recovery of numerous items suspected to have been stolen from sea travellers,” he said.
The commissioner added that the suspect remains in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing village head. He further confirmed that all the suspects would be charged to court upon the completion of investigations.
