By Sunday Apah
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in the investigation of an armed robbery operation in which one person was murdered and another kidnapped at Ikot Itienang Village, Ekom Emane, Etinan Local Government Area, on July 12, 2026.
Following a petition on the incident addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, a team of detectives from the Command promptly commenced an intelligence-led investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending those responsible for the heinous crime.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, DSP Timfon John, said the painstaking investigation led to the arrest of two suspected members of the armed robbery gang identified as Gospel Effiong, a.k.a. “Python,” and Solomon Okon, a.k.a. “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.
During the operation, the following items were recovered from the residence of one of the arrested suspects, Solomon Okon a.k.a. “Plane”: a locally made pistol with one cartridge; a large quantity of suspected Indian hemp; a red cap bearing the inscription “Supreme Red Skin Confraternity”; an item suspected to be a charm; and other incriminating items relevant to the ongoing investigation.
The Command views the development as a major step forward in its efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for violent crimes and to bring the perpetrators of murder, kidnapping and armed robbery to justice.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, Mnipr, has commended the detectives for their diligence, professionalism and intelligence-led approach to the investigation.
The Commissioner reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that persons involved in violent crimes are identified, apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.
Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing the Police with credible and timely information that could assist in tracking down fleeing suspects and preventing criminal activities across the State.
