The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, identified as Otuekong Enoidem, in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of a man known as Koffi.
The suspect was reportedly arrested while attempting to collect a N3 million ransom from the deceased’s family.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, August 28, 2026.
According to the statement, the arrest followed sustained intelligence-led operations launched by the police after the kidnapping and murder of Koffi was reported on August 24.
Enoidem, an indigene of Akai Ubium Village in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of the state, was apprehended by police operatives at about 11:30 p.m. on August 25.
Police said a mobile phone belonging to the deceased was recovered from the suspect during the operation. The phone was allegedly being used by members of the kidnapping syndicate to communicate ransom demands to the victim’s family.
The command said the recovery of the phone constituted a significant piece of evidence that could assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the crime and identifying other members of the alleged criminal network.
“The suspect was apprehended while allegedly attempting to collect a ransom of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000) from the deceased victim’s family,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the operatives involved in the arrest for their diligence and professionalism.
Azare also assured residents that the command would continue to intensify intelligence-led operations, surveillance and other measures aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks and other criminal groups across the state.
The police boss warned that the command would continue to pursue individuals involved in kidnapping, murder and other violent crimes and ensure that they face justice in accordance with the law.
The police appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing and detecting criminal activities.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigation continues, with authorities working to determine the roles of other persons allegedly connected to the crime.