By Uko Okon
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have successfully apprehended a notorious car theft syndicate and recovered stolen vehicles and a cache of incriminating items.
According to a Statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Thursday, the breakthrough followed an intensive investigation initiated after the recovery of a stolen vehicle on July 27, 2025.
The statement said that the investigation led to the arrest of Otoabasi George Ime of Use Abat Village in Ibiono Ibom LGA, who provided crucial leads that enabled operatives to apprehend additional members of the syndicate on July 30, 2025.
Other arrested suspects include Uwem Okon Umoh, Umoh Joseph Essien, Ukpong Jeremiah Udo, Uchenna Peter Ihekandu, and Peter Madu Abuchi, who are believed to be key players in the syndicate.
The statement reads, “Coming on the heels of discreet investigations, operatives on July 30, 2025, at approximately 4:30PM, arrested additional members of the syndicate, following leads provided by Otoabasi George Ime, ‘m’, 42 years old, of Use Abat Village in Ibiono Ibom LGA. George Ime was previously arrested in possession of a stolen vehicle, which sparked the wider investigation.
“The arrested gang members include: Uwem Okon Umoh, ‘m’: Identified as the syndicate’s key fabricator, Umoh Joseph Essien, ‘m’: The group’s mechanic, Ukpong Jeremiah Udo, ‘m’: The syndicate’s electrician, Uchenna Peter Ihekandu, ‘m’: suspected buyer of stolen vehicles and Peter Madu Abuchi, ‘m’: Responsible for money transfers within the syndicate.
Upon searching the suspects, operatives recovered the following items: nine different car numbers plates, four yards of army camouflage fabric and two face caps, a road Safety reflective jacket and face cap and a file jacket containing various vehicle particulars.
“All suspects have confessed to being responsible for the theft of nine vehicles.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi commends the diligence of the Officers in dismantling this criminal network.
“Discreet investigations are still ongoing to recover more stolen vehicles and identify the operational weapons used by the syndicate. The Command assures the public of its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and their properties,” it added
