In its determined efforts to rid Akwa Ibom of criminals, the State Police Command has successfully smashed a car theft syndicate and arrested its kingpin.
The bust action led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle and a cache of incriminating items.
DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer of Akwa Ibom State Police Command, said “This significant breakthrough follows an intensive investigation initiated after the recovery of a stolen vehicle on July 27, 2025.”
In a press release issued on Thursday, July 7, 2025, the PPRO said “Coming on the heels of discreet investigations, operatives on July 30, 2025, at approximately 4:30 PM, arrested additional members of the syndicate, following leads provided by Otoabasi George Ime, ‘m’, 42 years old, of Use Abat Village in Ibiono Ibom LGA.”
According to the Police, “George Ime was previously arrested in possession of a stolen vehicle, which sparked the wider investigation.”
The arrested gang members include Uwem Okon Umoh, ‘m’: Identified as the syndicate’s key fabricator; Umoh Joseph Essien, ‘m’: The group’s mechanic; Ukpong Jeremiah Udo, ‘m’ – the syndicate’s electrician; Uchenna Peter Ihekandu, ‘m’ – suspected buyer of stolen vehicles; Peter Madu Abuchi, ‘m’ – responsible for money transfers within the syndicate.
The Police said upon searching the suspects, its operatives recovered the following items: Nine different car number plates; Four yards of army camouflage fabric and two face caps; A Road Safety reflective jacket and face cap and A file jacket containing various vehicle particulars.
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Meanwhile, all suspects have confessed to being responsible for the theft of nine vehicles.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commends the diligence of the Officers in dismantling this criminal network.
The Police further assured that “discreet investigations are still ongoing to recover more stolen vehicles and identify the operational weapons used by the syndicate.”
“The Command assures the public of its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and their properties,” DSP John added.
