Police In Akwa Ibom Crush Suspected Car Theft Syndicate, Recover Stolen Vehicle, Incriminating Items

Thursday August 7, 2025
The NewsDESK |

By Idorenyin UMOREN

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested suspected car theft syndicate in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

This was made known by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Timfon John, in a Press Release dated August 7, 2025.

According to the Release: “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully apprehended a notorious car theft syndicate, leading to the recovery of stolen vehicle and a cache of incriminating items. This significant breakthrough follows an intensive investigation initiated after the recovery of a stolen vehicle on July 27, 2025.

“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.

“The arrested gang members include:
* Uwem Okon Umoh, ‘m’: Identified as the syndicate’s key fabricator.

* Umoh Joseph Essien, ‘m’: The group’s mechanic.

* Ukpong Jeremiah Udo, ‘m’: The syndicate’s electrician.

* Uchenna Peter Ihekandu, ‘m’: suspected buyer of stolen vehicles.

* Peter Madu Abuchi, ‘m’: Responsible for money transfers within the syndicate.

“Upon searching the suspects, operatives recovered the following items:
* Nine different car numbers plates

* Four yards of army camouflage fabric and two face caps.

* A Road Safety reflective jacket and face cap.

* A file jacket containing various vehicle particulars.

“All suspects have confessed to being responsible for the theft of nine vehicles.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi commends the diligence of the Officers in dismantling this criminal network.

“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,” DSP John concluded.