Stolen phones. Photo: Police
Officers of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have re-arrested a suspected receiver and distributor of stolen mobile phones, Musa Idris, with 34 assorted Android phones and two button phones linked to robbery activities within and outside the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan-Abia, Uyo, on Wednesday.
Azare also highlighted other achievements of the command within the period, including enforcement of vehicle registration regulations and a crackdown on false security information.
He said the suspect was arrested along the Calabar–Itu Road axis following credible intelligence.
He added 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.
According to him, the recovered phones are strongly suspected to be proceeds of armed robbery operations carried out by criminal elements operating within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
“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.
“Investigations showed 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 are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of armed robbery operations carried out by criminal elements operating within and outside Akwa Ibom State,” the CP said.
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He further disclosed that the suspect made useful confessions suggesting the existence of a wider criminal network involved in the movement and resale of stolen phones beyond Nigeria’s borders, adding that efforts had been intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.
On false security information, the Commissioner said investigations had been concluded in 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.
He 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.
Patrick Odey
Patrick Odey is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from the University of Port Harcourt and a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the Nigeria Institute of Journalism. He has worked with notable publications including Post Express, Daily Champion, and Daily Trust, before joining Punch Newspapers. His career reflects a strong commitment to credible journalism, in-depth reporting, and public interest storytelling.
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Read the full article at The Punch →📄Source document: Statement by Timfon John, Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Police Command
3 reports
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenter4 days agoThe police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested three individuals suspected of involvement in armed robbery and cultism. One suspect was apprehended via a search warrant in Abak Local Government Area, where authorities recovered a locally made pistol and a machete. Two additional suspects were detained during a routine stop-and-search operation in Etinan after attempting to evade police. From these suspects, a locally made pistol, a live cartridge, and an Android phone were recovered. The suspects reportedly confessed to stealing the QLINK motorcycle they were riding.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective emphasis. It reports on law enforcement actions and does not appear to favor any particular political group or ideology. The content focuses on the procedural aspects of the arrests and the items recovered, with no
Official sources cited
- government Statement by Timfon John, Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Police Command
The PunchIndependentCenter4 days agoPolice in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, have arrested Musa Idris, a suspect linked to the distribution of stolen mobile phones. During a press briefing, Commissioner of Police Baba Azare stated that Idris was apprehended with 34 Android phones and two button phones believed to be proceeds of armed robbery. The arrest followed credible intelligence and was connected to a recent armed robbery incident along the Calabar–Itu Road. Azare also mentioned other police activities, such as enforcing vehicle registration rules and cracking down on false security information.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual details of a police operation without overtly favoring any political side. It includes direct quotes from the Commissioner of Police and provides specific details about the arrest and police activities. There is no evident bias in language, framing, or sourcing.
Official sources cited
- government Commissioner of Police Baba Azare
The PunchIndependentCenter5 days ago Police arrest two suspected armed robbers in Delta, recover illicit drugsThe Delta State Police Command, in collaboration with local vigilantes, arrested two individuals suspected of armed robbery in Ughelli. The arrests were made after receiving credible intelligence. One suspect, Moses Francis, confessed to involvement in multiple robberies, including an incident in April 2026. He led police to a hideout where another suspect, Cosmos Erueseke, was arrested. Both are currently in custody, and authorities are working to apprehend more members of the group and recover evidence.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a police operation without overtly favoring any side. It includes direct quotes from law enforcement and provides factual details of the arrests and investigations. There is no evident ideological framing or biased language.
Official sources cited
- government Delta State Police Command
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