The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has discovered an illegal armoury hidden in a private mortuary in Ekeya, Okobo Local Government Area.
The command spokesperson, CP Waheed Ayilara announced the find while briefing reporters at the command headquarters in Ikot Akpabio, Uyo, on Monday.
He explained that the discovery followed the arrest of a kidnapping syndicate.
“The armoury was uncovered based on credible intelligence after the arrest of a kidnapping syndicate led by Ubong Effiong Archibong, also known as ‘Condiment’,” Ayilara said. “This syndicate is responsible for numerous kidnappings and killings in the state.”
The police recovered several weapons from the mortuary. Ayilara listed the items: “Two AK-47 rifles, two G3 rifles, one double-barrel rifle, one single-barrel rifle, five magazines, and seven live ammunition.”
In another case, Ayilara paraded Daniel Edem Okon, 23, who allegedly murdered a commercial motorcyclist. “On July 12, 2024, at about 8:30 pm, our operatives stopped Okon and another suspect, Samaila Salisu, on a motorcycle without an identification number,” he said.
Ayilara continued, “Okon confessed that on July 11, 2024, he hired a motorcyclist from Idoro Road to Mbikpon Ikot Edim. Once they reached a remote area, he killed the rider with a machete, buried the body in a shallow grave, and stole the motorcycle.”
The victim, identified as 45-year-old Saviour Anthony Effiong, was later found and taken to a morgue.
Ayilara also introduced other suspects involved in crimes such as kidnapping, rape, trafficking, and vandalism. He said all suspects would face court proceedings once investigations are complete.
He thanked the community, government, and other security agencies for their cooperation in fighting crime. “I urge everyone to keep up the effort against crime and insecurity,” he added.
