A 55-year-old driver, Christopher Akpabio, was killed after accepting a ride job that turned out to be a trap. The Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Blessing Kaborlo, confirmed this on Thursday.
She noted that three people were caught because of it. She explained that on 22 May, the deceased, who hailed from Akwa Ibom State, met his killers in Garrison Park, Port Harcourt.
The alleged suspects told him their destination was the Asarama Community in Andoni Local Government Area, in the pretense of a traditional wedding.
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The report indicated that after stealing from the deceased, he was killed.
The police acted on a tip-off and caught the bad guys. On 28 May, the Violent Crime Response Unit nabbed David Mark, 30, Nkajit Williams, 45, both from Andoni, and Godgift John, 33, from Okrika. They’re in custody now, and Akpabio’s car was found as well.
During the operation, the black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA, reportedly stolen from the victim, was recovered. Police also discovered Akpabio’s remains buried in a shallow grave in the Asarama Community.
His body has been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) mortuary for preservation and further examination.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to apprehend a fourth suspect, who remains at large.
Reacting to the development, residents are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution during traveling or business arrangements with unfamiliar persons, especially for long-distance journeys.
The Rivers State Command pledged its commitment to ensuring the state remains safe for residents and bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.
The Command further assured the residents that criminal elements would be flushed out of Rivers State.
Residents are therefore encouraged to call the provided line during an emergency, for Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605209, 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049, and the Control Room: 08032003514
