By Udoh Umoh
The Police Command in Akwa Ibom says it has arrested a suspected receiver and distributor of stolen mobile phones linked to an armed robbery syndicate and recovered the phones.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, disclosed this during a press conference in Uyo on Wednesday.
Azare disclosed that operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended the suspect along the Calabar–Itu Road corridor.
He said the suspect specialised in receiving and distributing stolen mobile phones on behalf of an armed robbery network.
The CP said investigations revealed that the suspect had previously been arrested in Oct. 2025 for offences relating to armed robbery and possession of over 200 assorted android phones suspected to be stolen.
He said that the suspect was initially released on bail by the Court due to insufficient evidence, but was rearrested after fresh evidence emerged linking him to the offences.
“Items recovered from the suspect included; 34 assorted Android phones, two feature phones, a standing fan, an 80, 000mAh power bank and a rechargeable table fan.
“A tricycle with registration number AFG 64 WO, a jackknife and quantities of substances suspected to be illicit drugs,” Azare said.
The commissioner said the recovered phones were believed to be proceeds of armed robbery operations carried out within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
He added that the suspect had provided useful information to investigators, including details of a wider criminal network allegedly involved in the movement and resale of stolen phones beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Azare said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate, who remain at large.
The CP warned announced the conclusion of investigations into a case involving a suspect, popularly known on social media as “AK Philo”, who allegedly circulated a message captioned, “Eket get ready for us”, alongside an image of an armed bandit.
He said the suspect had been charged to court and remanded in a correctional facility pending further proceedings.
Azare warned that creating, publishing or disseminating false security information capable of causing public panic is a criminal offence and that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The commissioner also announced the commencement of a statewide enforcement exercise targeting vehicles operating with covered, altered, obscured, defaced or missing registration plates.
He said the operation, which is in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, is intended to strengthen crime-prevention efforts, improve public safety, and prevent criminals.
The commissioner urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and that their number plates remain visible and compliant with existing regulations.
