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Idara Jerome, Uyo The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former Access Bank employee, Chinonso Akujobi, before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja over an alleged N294,595,992 theft. The anti-graft agency disclosed that Akujobi was arraigned on Thursday, July 9, before Justice I. O. Ijelu on a five-count charge bordering on stealing. The EFCC alleged that Akujobi “stole and converted” N294.5 million while working with Access Bank Plc through unauthorised transfers into bank accounts linked to her. One of the charges reads: “That you, Chinonso Akujobi, sometime between January and December, 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with a dishonest intent, and while under the employment of Access Bank Plc, stole and converted for your own use, by unauthorized payments from the general ledger of the bank to your Access Bank account number 0036668871 with the name Chinonso A., Uchechi A. and Florence A., the sum of ₦109,325,566.86 (One Hundred and Nine Million Three Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Five Hundred and Sixty-six Naira Eighty-six Kobo), thereby committed the offence of stealing, contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015,” the Commission stated. Akujobi pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following the plea, prosecution counsel S.M. Yabo asked the court for a trial date and prayed that the defendant be remanded in a correctional centre pending trial. Justice Ijelu adjourned the case until October 8, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and the commencement of trial, and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

Idara Jerome, Uyo A sustained intelligence-led crackdown on violent crime in Akwa Ibom has led to the recovery of a murder weapon, firearms, live ammunition and a suspected stolen motorcycle, as police arrested three suspects linked to separate murder and armed robbery cases. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said the operations, carried out in different parts of the state, dealt a major blow to criminal networks that had been terrorising residents of Ikot Abasi, Itu and Ibiono Ibom local government areas. The biggest breakthrough came with the arrest of Nsikak Akpan, who had allegedly evaded arrest for almost six months after the January 6 killing of Markanson, both of Ikot Akpan-Edemaya in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area. According to the Command, intelligence operatives tracked the suspect to his hideout and arrested him on June 30 after months of surveillance and coordinated investigations. Police said the suspect confessed during interrogation, leading detectives to recover the locally made Dane gun allegedly used in the killing. In another operation, detectives dismantled a suspected motorcycle-snatching syndicate believed to have been attacking riders and commuters at gunpoint in Ibiono Ibom and Itu local government areas. The raid on the gang’s hideout at Nasarawa Market, Mbak Itam, resulted in the arrest of 22-year-old Destiny Ekong and the recovery of an unregistered Mate C90 motorcycle suspected to have been stolen from one of the gang’s victims. Further investigations led officers to the residence of another suspect, 50-year-old Anietie John, where a single-barrel gun and eight rounds of live cartridges were recovered during a search. Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover additional weapons and stolen property believed to be in their possession. Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, described the operations as a demonstration of the Command’s renewed offensive against violent crime, commending the officers for their professionalism and persistence. “Our intelligence architecture has been significantly strengthened to detect, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks across the state. Criminals should either abandon their unlawful activities or be prepared to face the full weight of the law,” Azare warned. The Commissioner also urged residents to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information, assuring them that all intelligence would be treated confidentially as the Command intensifies efforts to make Akwa Ibom increasingly hostile to violent criminals.

Idongesit Mishael, Uyo The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has uncovered what it described as a wider criminal network involved in the movement and resale of stolen mobile phones beyond Nigeria’s borders, following the arrest of a suspected receiver linked to an armed robbery syndicate. Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, who disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, said the breakthrough emerged from investigations into a recent armed robbery incident along the Calabar–Itu Road axis. According to the police chief, operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested one Musa Idris, alleged to be a major receiver and distributor of mobile phones suspected to have been stolen by armed robbery gangs operating within and outside Akwa Ibom State. “The recovered phones are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of armed robbery operations carried out by criminal elements operating within and outside Akwa Ibom State,” Azare stated. He disclosed that investigations revealed the suspect had previously been arrested in October 2025 for offences relating to armed robbery and possession of more than 200 assorted Android phones suspected to be stolen. Items recovered from the suspect include 34 assorted Android phones, two button phones, a tricycle, a standing fan, an 80,000mAh power bank, a rechargeable table fan, a jack knife and substances suspected to be illicit drugs. The Commissioner said the suspect had provided useful information to investigators and allegedly exposed the existence of a larger criminal network engaged in the movement and resale of stolen phones outside Nigeria. “He made useful statements and revealed the existence of a wider criminal network involved in the movement and resale of stolen phones beyond Nigeria’s borders,” the CP said. Azare assured residents that the Command had intensified efforts to track down and apprehend other members of the syndicate currently at large. “The Command remains steadfast in its resolve to confront criminality in all its forms and ensure that Akwa Ibom State remains one of the safest and most peaceful states in the Federation,” he added. The police boss also announced the successful prosecution of one Akaninyene Udo, popularly known on social media as “AK Philo,” for allegedly circulating false security information capable of causing public panic. According to him, the suspect allegedly shared a threatening message captioned, “Eket get ready for us,” alongside the image of an armed bandit, prompting investigations by the Command. Following the investigation, Azare said the suspect was charged before a competent court and subsequently remanded in a correctional facility. “The creation, publication, or dissemination of false security alerts and misleading information capable of causing public panic remains a criminal offence, and offenders will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he warned. The Commissioner further announced the commencement of a statewide enforcement operation against vehicles operating with covered, altered, obscured, defaced or absent registration number plates, saying the exercise is designed to strengthen crime prevention efforts and deny criminals opportunities to evade detection.

Two women narrowly escaped death in Uyo on Tuesday after swift intervention by security operatives following an alert raised by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John. The women were reportedly attacked by an angry mob along Ring Road 3 and subjected to public assault over allegations yet to be verified by lawful authorities before police intervened. According to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, the Health Commissioner witnessed the incident while on his way to office and immediately alerted security agencies after observing that one of the victims had sustained serious injuries. Police operatives responded promptly, dispersed the crowd, rescued the victims and rushed them to a medical facility where they are receiving treatment. The Command said one suspect, Emediong Robert, 22, from Ikot Ekwere in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, was arrested at the scene for allegedly inciting the mob and calling for the victims’ execution. Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, condemned the incident and ordered a full investigation as well as a manhunt for other persons involved, warning that acts of jungle justice would not be tolerated in the state. The police reiterated that no accusation justifies mob action or extrajudicial punishment and urged residents to report suspected offenders through lawful channels rather than resort to violence.

A May 7 police operation has disrupted suspected criminal activities in Abak, with officers recovering a firearm, suspected hard drugs and other items from a forest hideout. The operation, carried out by operatives of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), followed credible intelligence pointing to the area along Ikot Abasi Road as a base for criminal elements. Police said the location had been under watch for reportedly serving as a meeting point where suspects gather to take drugs and plan attacks within the community. On arrival, the operatives encountered resistance only in the form of flight, as the suspects fled into the forest, abandoning key exhibits. Items recovered at the scene include a locally made gun, one live cartridge, two mobile phones, suspected illicit drugs, sachets of alcohol, and an unregistered QLINK motorcycle. A release by the PPRO, DSP Timfon John confirmed that the exhibits are now in police custody, while efforts are underway to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects using intelligence extracted from the recovered materials. The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, described the raid as a strong indication that the VCRU is already delivering results in the fight against violent crime. He assured that the command would sustain aggressive, intelligence-led operations across the state, warning that criminal hideouts will continue to be dismantled. Residents were also urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing useful information that can help prevent crime and maintain public safety.

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.