PRESS RELEASE

POLICE ARREST TWO SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS LINKED TO MURDER AND KIDNAPPING IN ETINAN

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in the investigation into an armed robbery operation during which one person was murdered and another kidnapped at Ikot Itienang Village, Ekom Eman, Etinan Local Government Area, on July 12, 2026.

Following a petition on the incident addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, a team of detectives from the Command promptly commenced an intelligence-led investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending those responsible for the heinous crime.

The painstaking investigation led to the arrest of two suspected members of the armed robbery gang identified as one Gospel Effiong, a.k.a. “Python,” and Solomon Okon, a.k.a. “Plane,”

In the course of the investigation, two other suspects were also arrested in connection with the crime. They are Musa Kabiru, a native of Plateau State, alleged to be a receiver of some of the stolen items, and Victor Dickson.

During the operation, the following items were recovered from the residence of one of the arrested suspects, Solomon Okon a.k.a. “Plane”:

* A locally made pistol with one cartridge;
* A large quantity of suspected Indian hemp;
* A red cap bearing the inscription “Supreme Red Skin Confraternity”;
* item suspected to be charm; and
* Other incriminating items relevant to the ongoing investigation.

The Command views the development as a major step forward in its efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for violent crimes and to bring perpetrators of murder, kidnapping and armed robbery to justice.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, Mnipr, commends the detectives for their diligence, professionalism and intelligence-led approach to the investigation.

The Commissioner reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that persons involved in violent crimes are identified, apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.

Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing the Police with credible and timely information that could assist in tracking down fleeing suspects and preventing criminal activities across the State.

Signed:
DSP Timfon John, LLB, ANIPR, FCLMI
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command
14/8/2026