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.