The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has re-arrested a suspected receiver and distributor of stolen mobile phones, Musa Idris, with 34 assorted Android phones and two button phones linked to robbery activities within and outside the state.
Arrest and Recovery
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Ikot Akpan-Abia, Uyo, on Wednesday, June 17. Azare stated that the suspect was apprehended along the Calabar–Itu Road axis following credible intelligence.
Investigations revealed that the suspect had previously been arrested in October 2025 for offenses relating to armed robbery and possession of over 200 assorted Android phones suspected to be stolen. The recovered phones are strongly believed to be proceeds of armed robbery operations carried out by criminal elements operating within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
Confessions and Network
According to the CP, the suspect made useful confessions suggesting the existence of a wider criminal network involved in the movement and resale of stolen phones beyond Nigeria’s borders. Efforts have been intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.
Other Achievements
Azare also highlighted other achievements of the command, including enforcement of vehicle registration regulations and a crackdown on false security information. He announced that investigations had been concluded in a case involving one Akaninyene Udo, known online as “AK Philo,” who allegedly circulated a threatening message titled “Eket get ready for us” alongside the image of an armed bandit. The suspect has been charged to court and remanded in a correctional centre.
The Commissioner warned: “The creation, publication, or dissemination of false security alerts and misleading information capable of causing public panic remains a criminal offence, and offenders will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
Vehicle Registration Enforcement
Azare announced the commencement of a statewide enforcement operation targeting vehicles with covered, altered, obscured, defaced, or missing registration plates, urging motorists to ensure compliance with existing regulations.
Commendations and Support
During the briefing, the Commissioner expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for providing First Aid boxes to commands across the federation, including Akwa Ibom State. He described the intervention as a demonstration of the IGP’s commitment to the health, safety, welfare, and operational readiness of police personnel.
Azare also presented certificates of commendation to officers for professionalism and dedication to duty, noting that rewarding integrity and excellence remains key to motivating personnel and strengthening modern policing.
