The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says its operatives have apprehended a suspected member of an armed robbery syndicate who allegedly stole a tricycle at gunpoint along Mbak Itam in Uyo.
The Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Timfon John, in a statement released in Uyo on Saturday, said items recovered from the suspect include a tricycle, one HP laptop, one PS4 game player, one torchlight, two face caps and one power bank
Others are one key wallet holder, one black eyeglass, two phone chargers, one white long-sleeved shirt, one nose mask and one long-sleeved jean jacket.
Speaking on how the suspect was arrested, the PPRO said, “The operatives of the command, while conducting a purposeful stop-and-search operation along Mbak Itam, intercepted a tricycle with registration number PBT 322 QN, ridden by one Wisdom Edet, male.
“The tricycle, which had two passengers seated behind the rider, reportedly failed to stop when flagged down by the operatives and sped off. The police team immediately commenced pursuit.
“During the pursuit, the two passengers reportedly jumped out of the moving tricycle and escaped into the surrounding area, while the rider was successfully apprehended by the operatives.
“A thorough search of the tricycle subsequently led to the recovery of several items suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.”
The spokesperson added that on the same date, one Samuel reported at the police station and positively identified the HP laptop and PS4 game player as his property, allegedly stolen from him at gunpoint.
She said the victim also identified some of the recovered clothing items as being similar to those worn by the perpetrators during the robbery.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, while commending the operatives for their alertness, courage and professionalism, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information on suspicious persons, movements and activities to the police.
Police nab armed robbery suspect, recover stolen items in Uyo