By Abdullahi Inuwa
The long arm of the law has caught up with two suspected members of an armed robbery gang allegedly linked to a deadly robbery, murder and kidnapping incident in Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The suspects, identified as Gospel Effiong, alias “Python,” and Solomon Okon, alias “Plane,” were arrested by detectives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command following a painstaking intelligence-led investigation into the July 12, 2026, attack at Ikot Itienang Village, Ekom Eman.
The robbery operation reportedly left one person dead while another was kidnapped, prompting a petition to the Commissioner of Police and the immediate deployment of detectives to unravel the circumstances surrounding the crime.
According to the Police, the investigation also led to the arrest of Musa Kabiru, a native of Plateau State, who is allegedly linked to the gang as a receiver of some of the stolen property, as well as another suspect identified as Victor Dickson.
The breakthrough took a more dramatic turn when detectives reportedly recovered a locally made pistol with one cartridge from the residence of Solomon Okon, popularly known as “Plane.”
Police also recovered a large quantity of suspected Indian hemp, a red cap bearing the inscription “Supreme Red Skin Confraternity,” an item suspected to be a charm and other materials considered relevant to the investigation.
The Command described the arrests as a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in violent crimes across the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, Mnipr, commended the investigating detectives for what he described as diligence, professionalism and an intelligence-driven approach that led to the arrests.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s determination to ensure that suspects linked to murder, kidnapping and armed robbery are brought before the law to face justice.
He also appealed to residents to provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in tracking fleeing suspects and preventing further criminal activities.
The Police said investigation into the case is ongoing.
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