By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
The Police in Akwa Ibom has smashed a robbery syndicate specialized in dispossessing residents of expensive phones by force and recovereing more than 70 phones from the gang.
It also recovered more than 70 pieces of household electronic items from another syndicate operating in the area.
State Police Commissioner, Baba Azare told a press in Uyo weekend that the latest breakthrough was a demonstration of its sustained onslaught against criminal elements operating within the state.
Azare said the syndicate specialized in shipping the stolen phones to their accomolises in Kano State for sale.
“On 7th July 2025, the Command received a petition from one Mr. Aniekan Dan, aged 41 years. He reported that on 3rd July 2025 at about 7:00 pm, while returning from Ibesikpo with his wife, they boarded a tricycle from Ring Road 3 en route Nwaniba. Unknown to them, two other men already seated in the tricycle were members of a robbery gang.
“On getting to UniUyo Permanent Site Roundabout, the two supposed passengers, in collaboration with the tricycle rider, suddenly brought out a firearm and ordered the couple to surrender their belongings. They were dispossessed of an iPhone 12 Pro Max valued at ₦680,000, iPhone 16 valued at ₦1,400,000, Samsung S22 valued at ₦370,000, cash sum of ₦28,200, and a handbag containing personal effects.
“After robbing and assaulting the victims, the suspects pushed them out of the moving tricycle. Fortunately, the victims managed to identify the MOT number (MOT–0BMR) of the fleeing tricycle, which proved vital in tracking down the culprits.
“Through intelligence-led investigation, police operatives arrested the tricycle rider, one Editi, aged 34 years, alongside the tricycle used in the operation. His voluntary statement led to the arrest of four other members of the gang, both within and outside the state including Musa Idris Sanni, Utibe Asuquo Nkop,Dadati John and Abdulrashid Sanni.” He said.
Exhibits recovered from the suspects the commissioner said included three tricycles and 72 assorted mobile phones reasonably suspected to have been stolen from unsuspecting victims.
The over 70 household items were recovered when operatives in Uyo intercepted a tricycle carrying five male occupants, and found to be loaded with a large quantity of assorted, brand-new household items, which immediately raised suspicion.
The recovered items include: Five (5) industrial standing fans, Two (2) microwave ovens, One (1) bicycle, Fifty (50) pieces of stabilizers, Three (3) electric kettles, Two (2) brand new Startime decoders, Four (4) pressing irons, One (1) DVD player, and several other goods.
The five suspects arrested included Muhammed Saifuana, ‘M’ aged 32 yrs, Musa Abdulahi, ‘M’ aged 27yrs, Samaila Sauwanu, ‘M’ aged 21yrs, Mubansir Abubakar, ‘M’ aged 20yrs and Adamu Umar, ‘M’ aged 25yrs.
Azare commended the swift response and professionalism exhibited by Poluce operatives who affected the arrests adding that the command has ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation to unravel the source of these items, ascertain their true ownership, and apprehend any other accomplices.
“The Police Command under my watch will not tolerate any form of criminality. We are closing in on criminal elements from all fronts, whether they operate on tricycles, in homes, or on the highways.
“These two cases highlight a crucial partnership, the vigilance of our citizens, as demonstrated by one of the victims and the proactive, dedicated response of our Police Officers.” The commissioner concluded.
