The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested four individuals posing as officers from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). They were allegedly planning to kidnap a victim and demand a ransom of N150 million.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, revealed that the principal suspect, Emmanuel Akpayak, orchestrated the plan to abduct the victim, whom he owed over N12 million. Akpayak aimed to extort money and subsequently eliminate the victim to avoid repaying his debt.
The suspects were identified as:
- Emmanuel Augustine Akpayak, 27
- Echem Ovurizichi Weneka, 27
- Promise Udofia, 28
- Jeremiah Johnson Okon, 38
CP Ayilara stated, “Investigation revealed that Emmanuel Augustine Akpayak had arranged for the kidnap and killing of the would-be victim by engaging armed men and procuring EFCC vests for the operation. The victim was invited, and a search conducted at the principal suspect’s house led to the recovery of four EFCC vests. The suspect owed the victim about Twelve Million Naira (N12,000,000.00). To evade repayment, the suspect hired armed men to kidnap and extort One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N150,000,000.00) and kill the victim. The operation was foiled, and the suspects will face trial.”
In an interview, Akpayak claimed that the victim was his business associate, to whom he owed money. He admitted to hiring men who posed as EFCC officials to arrest the victim and force him to pay N150 million, alleging that the victim was wealthy and involved in internet fraud.
The Commissioner also paraded suspects involved in advance fee fraud targeting POS operators in Uyo. On June 21, 2024, one Glory Uko Okon reported that three men – Donald Ita Nyong, Rex Clement Uso, and Kingsley Mathias Joekim – came to her POS stand pretending to withdraw N10,000. They tricked her into giving them the POS machine, withdrew N320,000, and fled. The suspects were arrested and confessed to the crime.
Additionally, the police arrested members of a child trafficking syndicate. Acting on intelligence, they apprehended Michael Emmanuel Edet, Ability Henry Tom, and Uwem Udoh Moses for stealing a 12-year-old boy hawking groundnuts along Oron road. The child was sold for N400,000 to Loveth Nkwankwo in Abia State. Further investigation led to Loveth’s arrest, and the suspects confessed, promising to help apprehend other syndicate members. The victim was rescued.
CP Ayilara emphasized that all suspects would be charged in court upon completion of investigations. He urged Akwa Ibom residents to provide the police with information to combat crime. He also thanked Governor Umo Eno for his support and pledged to ensure security and peace in the state.
