Police arrest 4 over m8rder and kidnapping in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the m8rder and kidnapping of two persons at Ikot Itienang Village, Ekom Eman, Etinan Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said the incident occurred on July 12, 2026, during an armed robbery operation in the village in which one person was k!lled and another kidnapped.

John said the investigation into the incident led to the arrest of four suspects, including two alleged members of the robbery gang and two others suspected of receiving some of the stolen items.

The PPRO identified the alleged gang members as Gospel Effiong, aka ‘Python’, and Solomon Okon, aka ‘Plane’.

The other suspects were identified as Musa Kabiru, a native of Plateau State, and Victor Dickson.

John said a search conducted at the residence of Okon led to the recovery of a locally-made pistol with one cartridge, a large quantity of suspected Indian hemp, a red cap bearing the inscription “Supreme Red Skin Confraternity”, suspected to be a charm and other incriminating materials.

“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in the investigation into an armed robbery operation during which one person was murdered and another kidnapped at Ikot Itienang Village, Ekom Eman, Etinan Local Government Area, on July 12, 2026,” the statement read.

“The painstaking investigation led to the arrest of two suspected members of the armed robbery gang identified as Gospel Effiong aka ‘Python’ and Solomon Okon aka ‘Plane’.

“In the course of the investigation, two other suspects were also arrested in connection with the crime. They are Musa Kabiru, a native of Plateau State, alleged to be a receiver of some of the stolen items, and Victor Dickson.”

She said the command remained committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements were arrested and brought to justice.

John urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to assist the police in tracking down fleeing suspects and preventing criminal activities across the state.