Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have successfully dismantled a suspected fraud syndicate operating within Uyo metropolis and its environs.
The operation led to the arrest of three (3) suspects, namely, Otoabasi Ekpeyong, ‘m’, 51 years; Ubong Sylvanus, ‘m’, 42 years; and Sunday Akpan, ‘m’, 60 years.
DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), stated this in a statement in Uyo, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, Mnipr, fsi, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
DSP John said the command acted upon credible intelligence provided by a concerned and public-spirited individual who revealed the activities of a group of fraudsters, locally referred to as “Utotoh”, who allegedly specialised in deceiving unsuspecting members of the public.
According to the statement, “The suspects reportedly used an operational tricycle to lure and convey victims, after which they employed deceptive and diabolical means to dispossess them of their monies and other valuables.”
Read Also: N700BN Fraud Allegations: Emmanuel Performed Creditably Well – Gov. Eno
She said during the operation, a victim – an 81-year-old man, identified as one Friday, who is a pensioner – was rescued unhurt from the suspects.
Also recovered from the suspects was their operational tricycle, with registration number UFG-886-QA, without a motor number.
The suspects, she added, have confessed to the crime, admitting that they had fraudulently obtained money and properties from several individuals within Uyo and surrounding areas.
The PPRO said that the investigation was ongoing to identify and reach out to other victims, obtain their statements, and effect the arrest of other members of the criminal syndicate.
“The Command assures the public of its unwavering commitment to the safety of lives and property and encourages residents to continue to provide timely and credible information to the Police,” she stated.
