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From Isaac Job, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said it has arrested five members of a car-snatching syndicate and recovered a stolen car and other incriminating items after it had earlier arrested a member of the same gang, identified as Otoabasi George Ime, last month.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, and made available to journalists in Uyo on Thursday, August 7, 2025, disclosed that the first suspect provided tips leading to the arrest of other members of the gang.
John said members of the gang arrested were Uwem Okon Umoh, Umoh Joseph Essien, Ukpong Jeremiah Udoh, Uchenna Peter Ihekandu, and Peter Madu Abuchi.
The statement reads in part: “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully apprehended a notorious car theft syndicate, leading to the recovery of a stolen vehicle and a cache of incriminating items recovered from them.
“Coming on the heels of discreet investigations, operatives on July 30, 2025, at approximately 4:30pm, arrested additional members of the syndicate, following leads provided by Otoabasi George Ime, ‘m’, 42 years old, of Use Abat Village in Ibiono Ibom LGA. George Ime was previously arrested in possession of a stolen vehicle, which sparked the wider investigation.”
Upon searching the suspects, operatives recovered the following items: nine different car number plates, four yards of army camouflage fabric, and two face caps.
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John said other items recovered were a road safety reflective jacket and a file jacket containing various vehicle particulars.
She explained that all the suspects have confessed and owned up to being responsible for the theft of nine vehicles in Uyo.
She said the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has commended the diligence of officers in dismantling the criminal network in the state.
“Discreet investigations are still ongoing to recover more stolen vehicles and identify the operational weapons used by the syndicate.
“The Command assures the public of its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and their properties,” she said.
