AKWA IBOM POLICE RE-ARREST SUSPECTED PHONE RECEIVER, RECOVER 36 DEVICES
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By: Sunmola Ganiyat
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has re-arrested a suspected receiver and distributor of stolen mobile phones, Musa Idris, recovering 34 Android phones and two button phones believed to be linked to robbery operations within and outside the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Ikot Akpan-Abia, Uyo, on Wednesday.
He also highlighted other achievements of the command, including enforcement of vehicle registration compliance and a crackdown on the spread of false security information.
Azare said the suspect was arrested along the Calabar–Itu Road axis following credible intelligence.
He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that Idris had earlier been arrested in October 2025 for alleged armed robbery and possession of more than 200 suspected stolen Android phones.
According to him, the recovered devices are believed to be proceeds of coordinated robbery operations carried out by criminal networks operating within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
“Operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence in connection with a recent armed robbery incident along the Calabar–Itu axis, arrested Musa Idris, a suspected receiver and distributor of stolen mobile phones linked to a robbery syndicate,” he said.
“Investigations showed he was previously arrested in October 2025 for armed robbery and possession of over 200 assorted Android phones suspected to be stolen.
“The recovered phones are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of armed robbery activities carried out by criminal elements operating within and outside Akwa Ibom State.”
The Commissioner added that the suspect had made confessional statements indicating the existence of a wider criminal network involved in the movement and cross-border resale of stolen phones, noting that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
Azare also confirmed that a suspect, Akaninyene Udo, popularly known online as “AK Philo,” had been charged to court and remanded for allegedly spreading false security information.
He said the suspect circulated a message titled “Eket get ready for us” alongside an image of an armed individual, which he described as capable of inciting public panic.
He warned that the dissemination of false security alerts remains a criminal offence and would be prosecuted under the law.
The Commissioner further announced a statewide enforcement exercise targeting vehicles with defaced, covered, or missing registration plates, urging motorists to comply with existing regulations.
He also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for providing First Aid kits to police commands nationwide, describing it as a boost to personnel welfare and operational readiness.
Azare further presented certificates of commendation to officers who demonstrated professionalism and dedication, noting that recognition of excellence remains key to motivating personnel and strengthening policing standards.
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