The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a fraud syndicate and rescued an 81-year-old pensioner from their grip in Uyo, the state capital.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. She said the suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation carried out by police operatives.
According to the police, the suspects belong to a group of fraudsters locally known as “Utotoh,” notorious for using deceptive and diabolical means to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. The syndicate allegedly used an operational tricycle to lure, transport, and trap their victims before dispossessing them of money and other valuables.
DSP John explained that the operation was carried out on Monday, February 3, 2026, at about 3:30 p.m., following credible information provided by a concerned and public-spirited individual. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the command dismantled the syndicate within the Uyo metropolis and its environs.
Three suspects were arrested during the operation: Otoabasi Ekpeyong (51), Ubong Sylvanus (42), and Sunday Akpan (60), all males. An 81-year-old pensioner identified as Friday was rescued unhurt from the suspects.
Police also recovered the syndicate’s operational tricycle, bearing registration number UFG-886-QA, without a motor number.
The suspects reportedly confessed to the crime, admitting that they had fraudulently obtained money and property from several victims across Uyo and surrounding communities.
DSP John added that investigations are ongoing to identify and contact other victims, obtain their statements, and arrest additional members of the criminal network.
She assured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the police.
