UYO – The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested five individuals posing as EFCC officials, who allegedly planned to kidnap and extort N150 million from their victim.
The suspects were intercepted and arrested before they could execute their plan.
According to the police, Emmanuel Augustine Akpayak had orchestrated the scheme by enlisting armed men and procuring EFCC vests and uniforms. The victim was lured.
Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara who made the disclosure while briefing newsmen at the State Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, on Monday revealed that Akpayak, who owed the victim N12 million, intended to kidnap and extort N150 million from him. The suspects were found with EFCC vests at the time of their arrest.
“Following credible intelligence on a planned kidnapping and extortion of One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira from a 32-year-old man (name withheld), operatives of the Command swiftly intercepted a white Toyota Hiace Bus and arrested Emmanuel Augustine Akpayak, aged 27; Echem Ovurizichi Weneka, aged 27; Promise Udofia, aged 28; and Jeremiah Johnson Okon, aged 38,” Ayilara stated.
The Commissioner added, “Investigation revealed that Akpayak had arranged for the kidnap and potential killing of the victim by engaging armed men and procuring EFCC vests for the operation. A search at the principal suspect’s house resulted in the recovery of four EFCC vests.”
CP Ayilara also highlighted other significant achievements in crime fighting, including the arrest of suspects involved in the murder of Inspector Usang Egbe.
“The police arrested Wisdom Victor, Sunday Joseph Akpan, Isaac Enefiok Friday, Ifiok Udo Etim, and Nsikak Joseph Inyang, all linked to the Debam cult group. They confessed to the crime and were found in possession of firearms and illicit drugs. These suspects will soon be charged in court.
“On May 2, 2024, the police apprehended Daniel Emah, a 47-year-old resident of Uyo, suspected of kidnapping and armed robbery. A search of his residence led to the recovery of an AK49 rifle, an SMG rifle, magazines, and live ammunition. Emah, a confessed member of the Viking Confraternity, will face charges in court.
“On May 14, 2024, police responded to a distress call and discovered the body of Edima Edet, who had been gruesomely murdered by her lover, Elisha Idongesit Ime. Ime was promptly arrested and will be charged with murder.
“On June 21, 2024, the police arrested Donald Ita Nyong, Rex Clement Uso, and Kingsley Mathias Joekim for defrauding a POS operator of N320,000. The suspects confessed to the crime and are awaiting trial”. He said
The Police Commissioner also reported on other recent breakthroughs, including the arrest of armed robbery suspects and a serial rapist, as well as a child trafficking syndicate.
“On May 9, 2024, police operatives arrested Michael Emmanuel Edet, Ability Henry Tom, and Uwem Udoh Moses for child trafficking. They had abducted a 12-year-old boy and sold him for N400,000. Further investigation led to the arrest of the buyer, Loveth Nkwankwo, in Abia State. The victim was rescued, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate”. He said
CP Ayilara applauded Governor Umo Eno for his unwavering support in the fight against crime. He urged the public to continue cooperating with the police through intelligence sharing, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in ensuring peace and security in Akwa Ibom State.