The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has apprehended a three-man armed robbery syndicate believed to be behind a series of early morning attacks in Uyo metropolis.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the suspects were arrested after a diligent investigation and intelligence-driven operation.
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According to her, the arrest followed a complaint by a 32-year-old woman residing on Sampson Akpan Street, Uyo. The victim reported that on August 12, while taking a morning walk along Believers Assembly Road by Udo Udoma Avenue, she was confronted by two men on a black motorcycle.
The suspects allegedly pointed a locally-made pistol at her, threatened her life, and dispossessed her of an iPhone 12 Pro valued at N650,000.
“Further investigation revealed that this same criminal syndicate had robbed at least five other citizens on the same date and was responsible for multiple armed robberies during early morning hours in the city,” DSP John said.
She explained that operatives arrested one Ubong Michael Patrick, 27, from Ikpa Ibiono community in Ibiono Ibom LGA, who upon interrogation confessed to the crime. His confession led to the arrest of two accomplices: Ibrahim Kanu, 20, from Adamawa State, and Nazipi Dahiru, 25, from Gombe State, both residents of Nasarawa community in Itam, Itu LGA.
Items recovered from the suspects included a black operational motorcycle, a locally-made pistol, and a long dagger knife.
The PPRO added that preliminary findings indicated the syndicate usually transported stolen phones to Kano State, where they were sold to unsuspecting buyers. She assured that efforts were ongoing to recover the stolen items.
Customs Intercepts Drugs Worth N690m In Katsina, Seizes Two Vehicles
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Katsina Command, has intercepted illicit drugs valued at about N690 million, alongside two vehicles used in transporting the consignments.
State Controller of Customs, Mr. Idriss Abba-Aji, disclosed this on Tuesday in Katsina while briefing journalists on the arrests and seizures.
