Akwa Ibom Police Command’s Crime Busting Achievements by CP Don Awunah.

It is yet another golden opportunity to present to you, the recent score card of the Akwa Ibom State Command which by the special grace of God, is presently headed by me as the Commissioner of Police ably assisted by a formidable management team.

 Recall during my maiden interaction with you on the 22^nd of February 2017, we stated as one of our core objectives, the need to partner with relevant stakeholders such as sister security agencies, the Press, Traditional Rulers, Religious Groups, Vigilante, Youths, Eminent Persons, non-State Actors like NGOs and CSOs as well as the PCRC, in pursuit of our dogged commitment to stamp out criminal elements affecting the quality of life in Akwa Ibom State.

It is also in light of this that after a careful assessment of the crime situation in the state, I launched a crime reduction strategy codenamed ‘Operation Impact’ (OPIM) aimed at mobilizing all stakeholders towards eliminating crime and criminality from the state.

It is an amplification of a people-oriented approach to policing encapsulated in the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris.

 The initiative has yielded phenomenal success in arrests and prosecution of criminals of all shades and colours in Ikot Ekpene area command where the operation was first launched, and a major contribution to the relative peace, law and order being enjoyed in the state, as documented for in my maiden press briefing.

The encouragement of this widely acknowledged and applauded accomplishment necessitated the launch of the second phase of operation impact (opim) in Oron Area Command.

It is with great delight therefore that I seize this golden opportunity to provide you gentlemen of the press, an update on the continuing successes of operation impact.

1. RENUNCIATION OF MEMBERSHIP FROM SECRET CULT GROUPS:

Acting on intelligence flowing from community partnership, operatives of the operation impact swooped on cultists in Oron Area Command. Apparently unsettled by the heat generated by the action, Seventy-two (72) cultists at Eyo Abasi on the 1^st of April 2017, publicly renounced their membership of various secret cult groups that had hitherto terrorized innocent citizens of Akwa Ibom State within that axis. Eighteen (18) different secret cults were affected as follows:

It is important to state at this juncture, that these secret cult groups are different from the twenty-one (21) cult groups which were mentioned during the previous press briefing.

These repentant cultists surrendered various weapons and insignias/paraphernalia of their former cult groups viz:

EXHIBITS RECOVERED-   Two locally made pistols,  One sword, Diabolical/mystic charms, Berets with secret cult insignia,  Axes

2. SMASHING OF TWO NOTORIOUS CULT GROUPS:

Eight members of two notorious cult groups in Ukanafun, Ika and EtimEkpo Local Government Areas, Dee Bam and Dee Well, were smashed and arrested by men of ‘Operation Impact’ on the 10^th of February, 2017 and 11^th of February, 2017.

Prior to their arrest, armed with AK-47 Rifles, the rampaging cult members had sneaked into Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo Local Government Areas killing six (6) men: Four in Ukanafun and two in Etim Ekpo.

One of the six suspects, Monday Mark Uko alias Young Chief of Ukanafun is said to be the sponsor of a notorious gang of assassins in Ukanafun that had terrorized the area for a very long time, killing and maiming people mindlessly. He sacked and imposed village heads and chiefs at will, killing anyone who dared to challenge him.

He was so dreaded that some members of the community had to relocate to nearby villages to avoid his onslaught.

Meanwhile, operatives are closing in on the leader of the Dee Well group popularly known as Isokpufi, another daredevil who has also been a nightmare to the people in the community

EXHIBITS RECOVERED: Two (2) locally made shot guns,  Four (4) live cartridges

3. CULTISM: ARREST OF SIXTEEN NOTORIOUS CULT MEMBERS IN IKOT ABASI

On the 13^th of March, 2017 at about 2345hrs, acting on a tip-off, a team of operation impact arrested sixteen notorious cult members who had converged at Gravity Hotel, Ikot Abasi, preparatory to unleashing terror and mayhem in the area.

 They have since been arraigned in court, and are presently remanded in prison custody.

NAMES OF SUSPECTS:  Isaac Isaac Ogunta,  Akan Ufon Willie,  Uche Ekeneofot,  Richard David,  Lazarus Lazarus, Victor Celestine Inokon,  Friday Akpan Williams, IchereDariud Ebenezer, and Jacob Nkwak Jacob,  Friday Okon Bassey,   Daniel Stephen,  Obong Davis,  Effiong Mfonobong,  Nkereuwem Akpan,  Paul Imaobong,  Akaniyene Umoh.

EXHIBIT RECOVERED

Photographs of initiation

4. CULTISM: ARREST OF MEMBERS OF THE WHITE STAR CONFRATERNITY:

On 10^th March 2017, Nineteen (19) members of ‘White Star’ Confraternity were arrested by men of Operation Impact stationed at Oron during raids of criminal hideouts in the area.

The suspects confessed being members of the white star secret cult and were accordingly arraigned in court. They have since been remanded in prison custody.

The items recovered from them include: Two (2) black and cream coloured Berets with White Star logo inscription, One locally made gun, 3 Live cartridges,  A set of native drum, Wraps of substance later found to be Indian Hemp,  A white Nissan Sunny salon car with Reg. No. EW 468 ABK.

5. CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY, ABDUCTION AND MURDER:

On the 15^th day of March 2017 at about 0900hrs a report was received that one Rosemary Friday Jacob ‘f’ was on 29^th July 2010 abducted alongside two other men along Abak Road Uyo by a gang of seven men over an alleged failed land transaction.

The abducted persons were taken to a house within Ewet housing Estate being the residence of one Hon. Friday Frank Obonoh where they were tortured to death and their remains and vehicle disposed of.

Painstaking intelligence led investigation led to the arrest of the mastermind and perpetrators of this heinous crime on the 15^th day of March, 2017 and they have all confessed to the various roles they played in the commission of the dastardly crime.

The suspects presently in custody over this are:

NAMES OF SUSPECTS:  Friday Frank Obonoh, Edidiong Boniface a.k.a “Tunde” (presently on prison remand for another crime),  Anietie Donatus a.k.a “Tea Boy”,  Ubong Obonohaka Ubon, Godwin Etim.

The arrests illustrate that cases of this nature are not allowed to go cold in the Nigeria Police Force under the watch of the current Inspector General of Police IGP Ibrahim Idris.

It is a strong message that no matter how long it takes, if you commit a crime be assured that the long arms of the Law will eventually catch up with you wherever you may be and whatever your status in life.

6. ARMED ROBBERY- ARREST OF TWO FEMALE ROBBERY SUSPECTS:

Two female suspects, Sandra Nnamso Eno ‘f’ and Mmeyene Ernest Bassey ‘f’ who specialized in robbing people of phones, money, jewelry and other valuables, using motorcycles (okada) and armed with daggers, knives and other harmful objects, were on 1^st April, 2017, apprehended by a team of operation impact shortly after robbing Chukwuemeka Ikeh ‘m’ in Ikot Ekpene.

The suspects dispossessed their victim of the sum of four hundred thousand naira (N400, 000. 00) only and four (4) telephone handsets.

They were arrested through one of their phones that dropped unnoticed while hurrying out of the scene after the robbery. The two female suspects confessed to the crime and have since been arraigned in court.

EXHIBITS-   One Dagger, Two (2) mobile phones

7. ARREST OF ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS:

On the 11^th of January2017, two suspects were arrested by SARS operatives after they robbed one Ikechukwu Onumba ‘m’ of his Highlander Jeep with Reg. No. APP 126 CK, handset and cash sum of Two Hundred and Ninety-Six Thousand naira (N296,000.00k) only at Iko tEkpene on 15^th November, 2016.

The gang had also on the 19^th of December 2016, robbed one Pastor Lawrence Nsima Imoh ‘m’ of his Highlander jeep with Reg. No.KSF 86 CC.One other victim of their robbery escapades, Uduak Bassey ‘m,’ was not that lucky as he was shot while trying to escape from them on the 10^th of January, 2017 at about 2130hrs.

He is presently receiving treatment in a government hospital. The suspects confessed to the crime and investigation is ongoing.

 NAMES OF SUSPECTS:   OdeyImiele Ipuole, Precious Ndubusi.

EXHIBITS:  One Toyota corolla car, 1 Locally made pistol, Two rounds of 9mm live ammunition.

8. ARREST OF THREE KIDNAP SUSPECTS:

Those of you who were present at the maiden Press briefing will attest to our stated determination to drastically clampdown and curb the menace of kidnap for ransom in Akwa Ibom State.

Our renewed zeal and tireless dedication led to the collapse and arrest of a very notorious kidnap gang who on the 10^th day of March, 2017 kidnapped an Engineer from his Petrol Station at Ebughu village in Mbo Local Government Area at about 0500hrs.

They were smashed by operatives of Operation Impact, as luck ran out on the criminals owing to the heat from the team of ‘Operation Impact’ which forced them out of their hide out.

The effort of our Operatives yielded positive result leading to the rescue of the victim unhurt and the arrest of three (3) of the perpetrators of the kidnap, who upon interrogation, confessed to the crime and equally disclosed the identity of their other gang members who are presently at large, but who have been put under our radar.

It was further revealed that they operate with the help of another mercenary gang from Calabar.

EXHIBIT- FCMB deposit slip.

SUSPECTS:   Victor Edet Esu,  Victor Edet Usong, Cyril Emmanuel Abang.

9. KIDNAP AND RESCUE OF TWO TURKISH NATIONALS:

 It will be recalled that on the 9^th of April 2017, two Turkish nationals were kidnapped and taken to the Creeks of Calabar/Oron waterways.

Undoubtedly, kidnap for ransom threatened Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Akwa Ibom State.

Following sustained Police activities in the waterways, deployment of technical platform, cultivation of actionable intelligence and skillful professional negotiation, the two Turkish gentlemen were released on 19^th April, 2017 and the victims of crime have been reunited with their colleagues after medical assessment.

Five suspects have been arrested and further investigation is ongoing.

10. ARMED ROBBERY – ARREST OF FIVE ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS:

On the 9^th of January, 2017 at about 2302hrs, one Toyota Hiace bus with Reg. No. AYB 659 XP belonging to one Sabbath Ekeke ‘m’ of No. 5 Erediauwa Street off Sapele Road, Benin City was snatched from his driver along Ikot Ekpene-Aba Road at gun point.

Discreet investigation led to the arrest of two suspects within Akwa Ibom State and three other suspects in Abia State on the 28^th of January, 2017.

The suspects confessed to the commission of the crime stating that they specialize in car snatching and receiving of stolen vehicles. They have since been arraigned in court and remanded in prison custody.

NAME OF SUSPECT

Kingsley Ernest Nelson and four others

EXHIBIT(S)- One Toyota Hiace bus and 8 other vehicles were recovered.

11. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS:

On the 13^th day of March 2017, operatives of ‘Operation Impact’ based in Eket, while conducting stop and search along RCC Road Eket, arrested two suspects, Dennis Ikopokor ‘m and ’Effiong Akpan ‘m’, with two locally made pistols. They have since been arraigned in court and remanded in prison custody.

EXHIBIT-  One locally made pistol.

12. ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTISTS:

On the 15^thApril 2017, at Eyo Abasi village in Oron Local Government Area, one Victor AsuquoUtop ‘m’ a capon of Red Skin Cult, led some members of the cult group to attack one Samuel Effiong Ndukak ‘m’ of the same village for renouncing membership of the cult on 1^st April 2017.

They also abducted his younger sister one Mary Effiong Ndukak ‘f’ to an uncompleted building in the village where she was gang raped.

The suspects have been arrested and are currently being interrogated.

Members of the cult group arrested include:  Okon Etim Oyoforo,  Effiong Sunday Effiong,  Asukwo Etim Joshua,  Lawrence Edet Akaiso, Victor Asukwo Utuk.

13. ARREST OF SUSPECTS OF ADVANCE FEE FRUAD:

Our fight against crime is not only limited to cultism, murder and kidnap for ransom as criminality, under any guise would not be tolerated in Akwa Ibom State.

To this end, following a report of Internet Fraud/ Hacking by the Regional Manager of Diamond Bank Plc, covering the South- South and South- East region that the account of a customer was hacked into and the sum of Forty Million, Six Hundred and Seventy- Two Thousand naira (N40,672,000.00k) only was fraudulently withdrawn and transferred into various accounts.

Four (4) suspects were arrested in connection with the crime. Upon interrogation, the arrested suspects owned up to the commission of the crime and have accordingly been charged to court and remanded in prison custody.

The suspects are namely:  Godwin Edokpolor,  Chibuike Amadi,  Maxwell John, Uchenna Onyekwere.

The exhibit recovered from them comprised mainly of documents showing the transfer of the money.

Development in any society will always be hindered when criminal activities go unchecked as citizens will live in perpetual fear.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains committed to our guiding principle of ‘Service, Service and Service’ to the good people of this State which is why we will not relent in our onslaught against criminal elements until the people of this great State can sleep with ‘both eyes closed and doors ajar’.

Despite the aforementioned successes recorded, we remain focused in our determination to weaken the capacity of criminals to disrupt the quality of life enjoyed by Akwa Ibom State citizens and her visitors.

We will strive to improve on our performances and continually engage critical Stakeholders and Eminent persons, Traditional Rulers, Youths, Student bodies, Religious groups, Vigilante, sister security agencies and of course you, the media in our bid to always be miles ahead of those criminally minded individuals whose only interest is the disruption of the peace and progress of the state.

Permit me to use this opportunity to call on all well-meaning citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom State to support the Police and all other security agencies in the State by volunteering vital information that will help eradicate crime in the State as security is arguably a collective concern and responsibility.

We remain relentless in community partnership to bring peace to all nooks and cranny of the state.

It is important to note that our fight would not be this successful but for the moral and material support given to us by our indefatigable Inspector General of Police IGP Ibrahim Idris who is ever committed to eradicating crime and criminality around the country employing world’s best policing practices.

The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Deacon Udom Emmanuel has been very supportive to the Police in its onerous task of safe guarding the people and interests of the State by provision of critical logistics which has given renewed vigor to the Officers and Men of Akwa Ibom State Police Command.

We want to reiterate that criminal elements have no hiding place in Akwa Ibom State and I call on them to change from their criminal enterprise or they will surely be routed from their hiding places and made to face the full wrath of the law.

Finally, our guiding principle remains ‘Service, Service and SERVICE’.

END.