Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State — June 5, 2026 — A commercial driver identified as Christopher Akpabio, 55, from Akwa Ibom State, was allegedly murdered after being lured to a supposed traditional marriage ceremony in Rivers State, leading to the arrest of three suspects by the Rivers State Police Command.
According to police authorities, the incident began on May 22, 2026, when Akpabio was hired at Garrison Motor Park in Port Harcourt by individuals who claimed they needed transportation to Asarama Community in Andoni Local Government Area for a traditional wedding ceremony.
The Rivers State Police Command said the wedding arrangement was allegedly a cover for a criminal operation aimed at killing the driver and stealing his vehicle.
Police spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed that investigators determined the suspects had allegedly planned the attack before approaching the victim for the trip.
"The deceased was hired at Garrison Park, Port Harcourt, by the suspects under the guise of transporting them to Asarama Community in Andoni Local Government Area for a traditional marriage ceremony, unknown to him that they had a sinister mission to murder him and dispossess him of his vehicle," the police spokesperson stated.
Following reports of Akpabio's disappearance, detectives launched an investigation that eventually led to the arrest of three suspects.
The suspects have been identified by police as David Mark, 30, Nkajit Williams, 45, both natives of Andoni Local Government Area, and Godgift John, 33, from Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Investigators subsequently traced evidence to Asarama Community, where the victim's remains were allegedly discovered in a shallow grave.
The discovery confirmed fears expressed by the victim's relatives and colleagues who had been searching for him since he failed to return from the trip.
Police said the suspects allegedly murdered the driver before taking possession of his vehicle. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the stolen vehicle has been recovered.
The Rivers State Police Command stated that investigations remain ongoing and that detectives are working to determine whether additional suspects participated in the crime or whether the incident is connected to a wider criminal network operating within the region.
The arrests have sparked concern among commercial transport operators across Rivers State, many of whom regularly transport unfamiliar passengers over long distances.
Residents of Andoni and Port Harcourt have also expressed shock over the circumstances surrounding the case, particularly the alleged use of a fabricated wedding ceremony to lure the victim to a remote location.
Police have assured the public that all individuals found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law once investigations are completed.
As of June 5, 2026, the three suspects remain in police custody while investigators continue gathering evidence for possible prosecution. Authorities have urged commercial drivers to exercise caution when accepting transport contracts from unknown individuals and to share travel details with relatives or colleagues before embarking on long-distance journeys.
The case remains under active investigation by the Rivers State Police Command.
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