The Rivers State Police Command has detained three individuals in connection with the killing of a commercial driver, Christopher Akpabio, and the recovery of his stolen minibus.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Blessing Agabe, said in Port Harcourt on Thursday that the 55-year-old driver, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, was declared missing on May 22.
According to her, investigations showed that the suspects posed as passengers and hired the driver at Garrison Park in Port Harcourt, claiming they were attending a traditional wedding ceremony in Asarama, Andoni Local Government Area.
She explained that the journey was later diverted, leading the victim to Asarama community where he was attacked and killed, after which his vehicle was taken.
The stolen vehicle was identified as a black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA.
Agabe said police detectives later traced the case to a shallow grave in Asarama where the victim’s body was recovered.
She disclosed that the suspects, aged between 30 and 45 and from Andoni and Okrika LGAs, were arrested on May 28 following a targeted intelligence operation carried out by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit in Diobu.
The vehicle was also recovered during the same operation.
She added that the remains of the deceased had been taken to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital morgue for preservation and further examination.
Agabe said one additional suspect linked to the crime was still on the run, while efforts were ongoing to track him down.
She advised members of the public, especially commercial drivers, to be more vigilant when picking up passengers and to inform relatives before embarking on trips, particularly at night or over long distances.
She also urged residents to report suspicious movements or individuals to security agencies promptly.
The police reiterated their commitment to sustaining efforts against violent crime and ensuring safety across the state.
