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Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin and cultist, Ubong Michael, popularly known as “Ubong Boy,” in possession of a human skull believed to belong to one of his victims. The 30-year-old suspect was apprehended on April 22, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m. in Ikot Aka Village, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, following credible intelligence that he had returned to the community after hiding in Port Harcourt. Police said a search conducted on the suspect at the point of arrest led to the recovery of the human skull, alongside a human bone, two live cartridges and a dagger. Investigations revealed that the suspect is a key figure in multiple kidnapping operations within the state, including the abduction of one Gabriel in 2023 and another victim, John, in 2025. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the suspect has confessed to his involvement in the crimes and is currently assisting operatives with information to track down other members of the syndicate. She said the arrest followed a swift, intelligence-driven operation by officers of the Command. The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the operatives for the breakthrough, describing it as a significant step in the ongoing crackdown on violent crimes. “The Command remains unwavering in its commitment to rid Akwa Ibom State of all forms of violent crime,” the CP said. He warned criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law, stressing that the state would remain hostile to criminals. The Command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information. Police said efforts are ongoing to recover additional weapons and arrest fleeing members of the gang.

A High Court sitting in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, has sentenced a 27-year-old man, Edinyanga Samuel Akpan, to death by hanging for the murder of his uncle, Kufre Godwin Eno, following an allegation of witchcraft. Delivering judgment on Wednesday, the trial judge, Justice Pius Idiong, found the defendant guilty of a one-count charge of murder, holding that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court heard that the incident occurred on December 4, 2017, at Ikot Inyang Okon, in Eket Local Government Area of the state. According to evidence presented before the court, the convict stabbed the deceased in the chest with a knife during a disagreement allegedly linked to accusations of witchcraft. The victim was subsequently rushed to Emmanuel General Hospital, Eket, where he was later confirmed dead by medical personnel. Akpan, a native of Ikot Obioro in Eket Local Government Area and a primary school dropout, had pleaded not guilty at the commencement of trial. However, at the point of judgment, he appealed to the court for leniency, expressing remorse over the incident. In his ruling, Justice Idiong held that the act of the convict was both intentional and unlawful, stressing that the ingredients of the offence of murder had been sufficiently established by the prosecution. The judge noted that, under the law, murder is a capital offence which attracts a mandatory sentence, leaving the court with no discretion to impose a lesser punishment. Consequently, he sentenced the defendant to death by hanging, while also offering prayers for mercy on his soul. The judgment brings to a close a protracted legal battle that lasted about nine years. The case was prosecuted by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice, led by U.F. Effiong, Assistant Chief State Counsel, while the defendant was represented by Victor Udeh. The matter, which experienced multiple reassignments, was initially handled by Justice Nsemeke Daniel before being transferred to Justice Ezekiel Enang, and was eventually concluded by Justice Pius Idiong after the trial commenced afresh.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old Cameroonian fisherman, Joseph Mbake, for allegedly defiling a four-year-old child in Mkpanak Village, Ibeno Local Government Area. Spokesperson DSP Timfon John confirmed the arrest in a statement on Monday, explaining that the suspect was picked up following an intensive manhunt by operatives. According to the command, the victim’s mother, identified as Gift, discovered the incident on February 24, 2026, at about 2:00 p.m. while bathing her daughter. “She observed a suspicious discharge from the private part of her four-year-old daughter while bathing her,” the PPRO stated. “Upon careful questioning, the child alleged that she had been sexually abused by an adult male who she stated she could identify if seen.” The police promptly issued a medical examination form, and the child was taken for immediate medical attention. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives arrested Mbake, a fisherman resident in Mkpanak Village, in the early hours of March 1, alongside others for investigation. An identification parade was subsequently conducted in accordance with laid-down procedures, during which the victim positively identified the suspect. Preliminary investigation revealed that the alleged incident occurred on February 14, 2026. “The Command strongly condemns all forms of sexual abuse, especially against minors,” DSP John said, assuring the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable members of the society. The police urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious behaviour to the nearest station.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old man, Victor Okoh, for allegedly killing his wife, Victoria Okoh, 38, at their home in Oron Local Government Area.   Confirming the arrest in a statement on Monday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said officers responded to a distress call from concerned residents. According to the statement, police operatives arrived at the scene around 5:20 a.m. and found the victim’s mutilated body outside the house. Further investigations revealed that the suspect had allegedly attacked his wife with a machete over accusations of infidelity.   “The suspect attempted to evade arrest by hiding in the ceiling, but our officers tactically secured the building, forced entry, and apprehended him. The weapon used in the crime has also been recovered,” the statement read. “The suspect attempted to evade arrest by hiding in the ceiling, but our officers tactically secured the building, forced entry, and apprehended him. The weapon used in the crime has also been recovered,” the statement read.   The victim’s body has been deposited at the General Hospital morgue in Oron for an autopsy, while the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.   Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, condemned the act and assured the public that justice would be served. He reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring public safety and warned against domestic violence, urging residents to seek lawful means of resolving disputes.