Police Arrest Four Over Murder, Kidnapping During Armed Robbery In Akwa Ibom.

 

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with an armed robbery operation that allegedly led to the killing of one person and the kidnapping of another in Etinan Local Government Area of the state.

The incident reportedly occurred on July 12, 2026, at Ikot Itienang Village in Ekom Eman, Etinan Local Government Area.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said investigations into the incident led to the arrest of two suspected members of the alleged robbery gang and two other individuals accused of receiving some of the stolen items.

The suspected gang members were identified as Gospel Effiong, popularly known as “Python”, and Solomon Okon, also known as “Plane”.

The other suspects were identified as Musa Kabiru, a native of Plateau State, who was alleged to have received some of the stolen items, and Victor Dickson.

According to the police, a search conducted at Okon’s residence led to the recovery of a locally made pistol with one cartridge, a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, a red cap bearing the inscription “Supreme Red Skin Confraternity”, suspected charms, and other items described as incriminating materials.

In a statement, John said the arrests marked a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the robbery operation.

“The painstaking investigation led to the arrest of two suspected members of the armed robbery gang identified as Gospel Effiong, aka ‘Python’, and Solomon Okon, aka ‘Plane’,” the statement said.

She added that two other suspects were arrested during the course of the investigation in connection with the alleged crime.

The police spokesperson said the command remained committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring that those involved in criminal activities were apprehended and brought to justice.

John also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to assist in tracking fleeing suspects and preventing crime across the state.