The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded major operational breakthroughs in its sustained war against cultism, armed robbery, cyber-enabled fraud, impersonation, vandalism, and other criminal activities threatening public peace and development within the State.
In a press statement made available to journalists on Sunday, DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, said a series of intelligence-driven operations conducted across different parts of the State led to the successful arrest of multiple suspects involved in criminal conspiracy, cyber fraud, impersonation, theft of government property, cult-related activities, and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to her, “The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering resolve to rid the State of all forms of criminality and ensure that Akwa Ibom remains hostile and unbearable for criminals.
The statement further highlighted, “On 21st May, 2026, at about 1150hrs, the Chief Security Officer of a Federal Government College (name withheld) reported that some renovation materials belonging to the school had been stolen from the premises.
“The stolen items, mainly burglary-proof, meant for the ongoing renovation of hostel blocks within the institution, were carefully removed from where they had been secured for the Federal Government-backed project.
“Upon receipt of the report, operatives of the Command immediately commenced a discreet investigation which led to the arrest of the following suspects:
David Ukpe ‘M’, 36 years, a security guard attached to the school, Emmanuel Johnny ‘M’, 49 years, Murtala Muhammad ‘M’, 24 years.Sani Abubakar ‘M’, 41 years. Stolen burglary proofs were removed from the school renovation site.
She added, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects conspired to steal and illegally sell the renovation materials for personal gain.
“The suspects reportedly confessed to the crime and are currently assisting investigators with useful information aimed at arresting other collaborators and recovering additional stolen items.
“The Commissioner of Police described the act as a direct sabotage of government developmental efforts and a gross betrayal of public trust, especially by persons entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding public property”.
The statement further explained that in another major breakthrough against cybercrime and criminal deception, operatives of the Command arrested one suspected notorious fraudster who allegedly specialised in impersonating the Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Emem Bob, to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
The suspect, identified as Imeobong Akpan ‘M’ of Ikot Ekpene Udo Village, Nsit Ubium LGA, was arrested following a credible complaint lodged on 22nd May, 2026, at about 2230hrs, that an unknown individual had been fraudulently using the name, official identity, and photographs of the Commissioner on fake social media platforms to deceive members of the public.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, detectives were swiftly deployed to Ewet Housing axis, where the suspect was successfully apprehended.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly created fake WhatsApp and Facebook accounts bearing the identity of the Commissioner for Finance and used the same to deceive unsuspecting job seekers, particularly young women desperate for employment opportunities.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to: Impersonating the Commissioner for Finance, Fraudulently posing as the Personal Assistant to the Commissioner.
Luring over ten ladies to hotels under false promises of securing government jobs. Obtaining money and exploiting victims through deceitful means.
Exhibits recovered include one mobile phone. Other electronic devices currently undergoing forensic analysis.
“Investigations are ongoing to uncover additional accomplices, identify more victims, and determine the full extent of the criminal network.
“The Command warns members of the public to remain vigilant against fraudsters who exploit the identities of public officials to perpetrate criminal acts and advises citizens to verify suspicious online claims before engaging in any financial or personal dealings.
