SPOTLIGHTS
- The suspect is a former prisoner from Ikot Ekpene
- He was arrested while wearing a partial military uniform
- Several stolen items were found in his possession
- The suspect will be charged to court soon
- The police urged the public to report any suspicious activities
From Isaac Job, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a former prisoner, Edidiong Anthony Matthew, who has been terrorising residents while dressed in military camouflage.
Anthony, an indigene of Ikot Ekpene in the Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, is alleged to have committed several crimes across the state.
In a statement signed by the Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Timfon John, and made available to journalists in Uyo on Thursday, the police stated that the suspect was arrested by the Crime Prevention Patrol Team. Items such as stolen phones, a walkie-talkie, a brown coverall dress and a Renold Construction Company (RCC) identity card were found in his possession.
The statement reads in part:
“On 05/06/2024 at about 14:00hrs, Police operatives of the command on crime prevention patrol arrested one Edidiong Anthony Matthew ‘M’, a 35-year-old indigene of Ikot Ekong Village in Mkpat Enin LGA in half dress military camouflage.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is an ex-convict who had been perpetrating a series of crimes in the state in military uniform with a warrant officer rank. One walkie-talkie, phones suspected to have been stolen from his victims, a brown coverall dress, RCC ID Card were recovered.”
John disclosed that the suspect would soon be charged to court.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, has reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment and dedication to making Akwa Ibom uninhabitable for criminals.
Ayilara thanked the people of the state for their support and urged members of the public to always report any suspicious act or movement to the police for immediate action.