The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested seven suspects over alleged involvement in fraud, vandalism of public property and cult-related activities across the state.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Uyo by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John.
According to the statement, four of the suspects were apprehended in connection with the vandalism of facilities at a Federal Government College in the state.
John explained that the incident occurred on Thursday at about 11:50 a.m. after the Chief Security Officer of the institution reported the theft of renovation materials from the school premises.
She said the suspects allegedly removed burglary proofs designated for the ongoing renovation of hostel blocks within the college.
The police spokesperson stated that operatives of the command immediately launched a discreet investigation following the report, leading to the arrest of the four suspects and the recovery of exhibits linked to the crime.
John further disclosed that another suspect was arrested for allegedly impersonating the Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Finance, Mr Emem Bob, on social media platforms.
According to her, the suspect allegedly used the commissioner’s name, photographs and official identity to deceive unsuspecting members of the public through fake online accounts.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly created fake WhatsApp and Facebook accounts, bearing the identity of the Commissioner for Finance and used the same to deceive unsuspecting job seekers, particularly young women desperate for employment opportunities,” she said.
The PPRO added that the suspect confessed to posing as the Personal Assistant to the commissioner and allegedly lured more than 10 women to hotels with false promises of securing government jobs.
She said the suspect also allegedly obtained money from the victims through fraudulent means.
John further revealed that two additional suspects were arrested on Friday at about 9:00 p.m. in Ikot Ekpene over alleged membership of the proscribed Ku Klux Klans (KKK) confraternity.
She stated that the suspects confessed to the crime and provided useful information currently assisting ongoing police operations aimed at apprehending other fleeing gang members and recovering more arms.
The statement also quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, as warning criminals, cultists, vandals, fraudsters and other lawless elements to desist from criminal activities or face the full weight of the law.
