Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has re-arrested a suspected receiver and distributor of stolen mobile phones, Musa Idris, and recovered 36 phones believed to be proceeds of armed robbery operations, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The suspect, who was arrested along the Calabar–Itu Road axis following credible intelligence, was found in possession of 34 assorted Android phones and two button phones, all linked to robbery activities within and outside the state, according to a statement issued at the Command Headquarters in Ikot Akpan-Abia, Uyo.
Azare told journalists that investigations revealed the suspect had previously been arrested in October 2025 for offences relating to armed robbery and possession of over 200 assorted Android phones suspected to be stolen. The recovered phones, the commissioner said, are strongly suspected to be proceeds of armed robbery operations carried out by criminal elements 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.
The commissioner further disclosed that the suspect had made useful confessions suggesting the existence of a wider criminal network involved in the movement and resale of stolen phones beyond Nigeria’s borders. “Operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence and in connection with a recent armed robbery incident along the Calabar–Itu Road axis, arrested one Musa Idris, a suspected receiver and distributor of stolen mobile phones linked to an armed robbery syndicate,” Azare said. He added that efforts had been intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large. Items recovered from the suspect included, in addition to the 36 phones, a standing fan, an 80,000mAh power bank, a rechargeable table fan, a tricycle with registration number AFG 64 WO, a jackknife, and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
In a related development, the Commissioner announced the conclusion of investigations into a case involving one Akaninyene Udo, popularly known online as “AK Philo,” who allegedly circulated a threatening message titled “Eket get ready for us” alongside the image of an armed bandit. Azare said the suspect had been charged to court and remanded in a correctional centre. “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. Azare also announced the commencement of a statewide enforcement operation targeting vehicles with covered, altered, obscured, defaced, or missing registration plates, urging motorists to ensure compliance with existing regulations.
During the briefing, the Commissioner expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for providing First Aid boxes to commands across the federation, including Akwa Ibom State. He described the intervention as a demonstration of the IGP’s commitment to the health, safety, welfare, and operational readiness of police personnel. The Commissioner also presented certificates of commendation to officers for professionalism and dedication to duty, noting that rewarding integrity and excellence remains key to motivating personnel and strengthening modern policing. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at keeping Akwa Ibom safe and ensuring that criminals have no hiding place within the state’s jurisdiction.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments