The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has smashed a chilling robbery-and-fraud ring in Uyo, arresting a suspect linked to a ₦4.2 million armed robbery, criminal conspiracy and an alleged juju-related operation that preyed on an unsuspecting commuter.
According to police sources, the case dates back to November 2025 when a woman, waiting to board a commercial vehicle along Uruan Street, was lured into a saloon car by men later identified as members of a criminal syndicate. Moments later, the journey turned nightmarish: the suspects allegedly diverted from the route, brandished a firearm and forced the victim to surrender her ATM card and PIN.
Investigators say the ordeal escalated when the suspects allegedly invoked juju, subdued the victim and escorted her to her home, where they ransacked the premises and made away with ₦900,000 cash.
The gang then drained an additional ₦3.3 million from her bank account via rapid ATM withdrawals and transfers, bringing the total loss to ₦4.2 million.
Acting on intelligence, police operatives struck on February 3, 2026, arresting Benjamin Patrick, whose bank account and POS terminals were allegedly used to siphon the funds within a five-minute window. The victim, police said, positively identified him as one of the men in the vehicle during the robbery.
Three POS machines allegedly deployed in the illegal withdrawals were recovered, while detectives intensify efforts to trace accomplices and recover the stolen money.
Confirming the arrest, Police spokesperson DSP Timfon John said the Command would “leave no stone unturned” in dismantling the network and bringing all those involved to justice.
He warned criminals that Akwa Ibom “is not a safe haven,” urging residents to avoid suspicious vehicles and promptly report unusual activity.
As investigations widen, the Command reassures the public of its resolve to keep Uyo—and the state at large—secure.
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