Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have smashed a robbery/kidnapping syndicate and arrested five gang members, including a traditional ruler, alleged to be their spiritual leader saddled with the task of fortifying the suspects with charms before every operation.
Parading the suspects at the State Police Command headquarters at Ikot Akpanabia, near Uyo, the State capital, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Timfon John, said they were overpowered and rounded up at Unyenghe village in Mbo local government area of the State.
Following the arrest, the Police spokesman disclosed that the suspects led Police detectives to where the headless bodies of the abducted vigilantes tagged, ‘Marine Hunters’, engaged for securiy intelligence by the State’s Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, were buried in a shallow grave.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has exhumed bodies of Marine Hunters of the ministry of Internal Security and Inland Waterways, who were kidnapped, murdered and buried by notorious criminals at Unyenghe village in Mbo LGA.
“The Command made the exhumation on Thursday, August 29, 2024, following an information it received on the 18th of August, 2024, that the Marine Hunters that were abducted and killed were buried in a shallow grave within the community.
“The Command’s operatives upon getting the information embarked on a hot chase of the suspects and arrested the following suspects, Anthony Archibong , 46; Emmanuel Emmanuel Otoyo, 18yr; Daniel Edet Okon; 26y; Eniete Harry Tom, 34; Joseph Okon, 44, were arrested alongside the Village Head of Utit Antai, Chief Okon Asuquo Eteokpo who is said to be their ally and spiritual fortifier; while a total of 15 live cartridges were recovered from them.
“Upon their arrest, a combined team of the Command launched comprehensive search for the corpses and found them buried in shallow graves after hours of frantic toil, with their head dismembered.
“The Command has again reassured members of the public of their intentional determination to rid the State of crime and criminal elements appealing to members of the Public to always report suspicious people and movements within their domain to the nearest Police Station,” the PPRO stated.
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