By Uko Okon
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have foiled a kidnapping plot and arrested three suspects in connection with a human trafficking case.
The operation was launched on September 12, 2025, following a tip about a human trafficking syndicate operating in the area.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John in Uyo on Tuesday.
John stated that the victim, a native of Igbanki Village in Oriong Local Government Area of Edo State, was allegedly lured to Akwa Ibom State by his brother-in-law, a suspected human trafficking ring leader based in Burkina Faso.
She explained that the victim was instructed to transport several girls from Uyo to Burkina Faso, but was instead locked in a hotel room and subjected to severe beatings.
According to the PPRO, the assailants demanded a ransom of N4 million and withdrew N111,000 from the victim’s account using his ATM card.
John said suspects including, Iniobong David, 45; Edikan Samuel, 23; and Joseph Jonah Akpan, 27 were arrested.
She said that a search of the hotel room led to the recovery of several items, including: an international passport, a national identity card, a voter’s card, six ATM cards from various banks, a University of Uyo Town Campus Annex gate pass, a Mobile phones and power banks, and a mini-bus with registration number KTE 867 XA
Part of the statement reads, “On September 12, 2025, at approximately 10:30 PM, Operatives of the Command arrested three suspects in connection with a kidnapping and human trafficking case.
“The operation was launched following a tip about a human trafficking syndicate operating in the area.
“The victim, (name withheld) a native of Igbanki Village in Oriong Local Government Area, Edo State, was allegedly sent by his brother-in-law, a suspected human trafficking ring leader based in Burkina Faso.
“Michael was instructed to transport several girls from Uyo to Burkina Faso. Upon his arrival in Uyo, the girls directed him to a hotel (name withheld) in Nung Oku, Ibesikpo Asutan, in a mini-bus driven by one of the suspects.
“On arrival at the hotel, the girls and other accomplices reportedly locked Michael in a room and demanded a ransom of four million naira (N4,000,000). Unable to pay the full amount, he was subjected to severe beatings.
“The assailants seized his ATM card, forced him to reveal his PIN, and withdrew one hundred and eleven thousand naira (111,000) from his account.
“They then forced him to contact his brother-in-law in Burkina Faso to send the remaining money.
“Acting on the intelligence, police operatives swiftly moved in and arrested three suspects: Iniobong David, 45yrs; Edikan Samuel, 23yrs and Joseph Jonah Akpan, 27yrs. Other suspects fled the scene upon the arrival of the police.
“A search of the hotel room led to the recovery of a handbag containing the following items: one international passport, a national identity card, a voter’s card, six ATM cards from various banks, all bearing the name Utuk Unyime Justine, a University of Uyo Town Campus Annex gate pass, 3 button mobile phones, 2 Android phones, 2 power banks and Mini bus with REG. NO. KTE 867 XA.”
John added that the suspects are currently in police custody and are providing useful information to aid the investigation.
