70-Year-Old Man, 3 Accomplices Held for Attempted Murder in Akwa Ibom
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have apprehended a 70-year-old man and three other suspects in connection with alleged attempted murder, malicious damage, and cultism in the Uruk Anam Local Government Area.
The suspects were arrested on Friday, March 20, 2026, during a tactical operation at Ikot Asukpong Village. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, confirmed the breakthrough in a statement, identifying the elderly suspect as Okon Akpan.
The Suspects and Recovered Arms
The police identified the other three individuals taken into custody as:
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John Samson, 45
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Emmanuel Asuquo, 50
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Idorenyin Umoh, 22
During the raid, detectives recovered an arsenal of illegal weapons, including one locally fabricated pistol and two long guns. DSP John noted that the recovery further substantiates the allegations of the group’s involvement in violent and unlawful activities.
“Precision and Professionalism”
The arrests followed the official approval of a petition detailing a wave of criminal activities in the area.
“Following the approval of a petition bordering on alleged attempted murder, malicious damage, and cult-related activities, operatives of the command swung into action with precision and professionalism,” the statement read.
The police spokesperson assured the public that while the situation in Uruk Anam remains calm and under control, investigations are still ongoing to track down remaining members of the criminal gang.
Commitment to Public Safety
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reiterated the command’s dedication to ridding the state of violent elements. He urged residents to remain vigilant and support the police by providing timely, credible information to aid in the fight against crime.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court immediately upon the conclusion of the investigation.
