By Abdullahi Inuwa
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a 29-year-old man, identified as Otuekong Enoidem, over the alleged kidnapping and murder of a man known as Koffi.
Enoidem, an indigene of Akai Ubium Village in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, was reportedly caught in the act while allegedly attempting to collect a ₦3 million ransom from the deceased victim’s family.
The arrest, which took place at about 11:30pm on August 25, 2026, followed an intelligence-driven investigation launched by the Police Command after the victim’s death was reported on August 24.
According to the Command, detectives had intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering in a bid to track down those behind the crime and dismantle the criminal network suspected to be responsible.
The operation eventually paid off when police operatives swooped on the suspect during the alleged ransom collection attempt.
In what investigators described as a major breakthrough, the police also recovered the mobile phone belonging to the deceased, which was allegedly being used by the kidnappers to communicate with the victim’s family and demand ransom.
The recovered phone is expected to provide investigators with vital leads as they work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death and identify other individuals allegedly connected to the crime.
Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the operatives for their determination, courage and professionalism in bringing the suspect into custody.
The Police boss reiterated the Command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations, surveillance and coordinated efforts against kidnapping, murder and other violent crimes across the state.
He warned criminal elements that Akwa Ibom would not provide a hiding place for them, stressing that suspects involved in serious offences would be pursued and brought before the law.
The Command also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly share credible information with the Police and other security agencies, noting that public cooperation remains essential in preventing and solving crimes.
The Police said investigations are ongoing, with further developments expected as detectives work to establish the full circumstances of the incident and determine whether other members of the alleged syndicate are involved.
The Command assured residents that the protection of lives and property remains its top priority.
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