Police In Akwa Ibom Arrest 10, Recover 70 phones, Dismantle Tricycle Robbery Syndicate

Thursday October 23, 2025
TheNewsDESK |

By Idorenyin UMOREN, Security Evaluator 

Ten persons have been arrested in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital for allegedly being members of tricycle syndicate terrorising innocent passengers in the state and environs. A total of Seventy handsets of different make were recovered from the suspects.

The arrest sources said, followed a decisive crackdown on urban crime adding that the suspects specialised in robbing and dispossessing tricycle passengers of their belongings including cash.

The gang, responsible for a string of violent robberies targeting unsuspecting passengers, was dismantled following an intensive investigation that began in early July. The breakthrough came after a victim, Mr. Aniekan Dan, filed a formal complaint on July 7, reporting that he and his wife were robbed at gunpoint after boarding a commercial tricycle near Ring Road 3.

According to Police Commissioner CP Baba Mohammed Azare, the couple was attacked on July 3, 2025 by two fake passengers and the tricycle operator, who pushed them out of the moving vehicle after stealing cash, mobile phones worth over ₦2.4 million, and other valuables.

A critical lead in the case came from the victims’ recollection of the tricycle’s MOT number, MOT–0BMR, which led to the arrest of the prime suspect, a 34-year-old tricycle operator identified as Editi. Editi’s confession reportedly led to the arrest of four additional gang members across various locations, including areas outside Akwa Ibom State. Those arrested in connection with the robbery include: Musa Idris Sanni (31), Utibe Asuquo Nkop (34), Dadati John (46) and Abdulrashid Sanni (28).

The police operation also led to the seizure of three tricycles and a haul of 72 mobile phones, suspected to have been stolen from previous victims. The Command is urging residents who may have lost their phones in similar incidents to visit the Area Command office in Uyo with valid proof of ownership for possible recovery.