Police authorities in Akwa-Ibom State have uncovered an illegal armoury in a private mortuary located in Ekeya, Okobo local government area of the State.
This was announced by the commissioner of police, Waheed Ayilara, during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Ikot Akpabio on Monday.
He said the breakthrough followed the arrest of a deadly kidnapping syndicate led by Ubong Effiong Archibong, also known as “Condiment,” who is alleged to be responsible for multiple kidnappings and murders in the state.
The police recovered an array of firearms and ammunition from the mortuary, including two AK-47 rifles, two G3 rifles, a double-barrel rifle, a single-barrel rifle, five magazines, and seven live rounds of ammunition.
Also, the police paraded 23-year-old Daniel Edem Okon, who reportedly murdered a commercial motorcyclist after hiring him from Idoro Road to Mbikpon Ikot Edin. Okon allegedly killed the rider, buried him in a shallow grave, and stole the motorcycle.
Okon and his accomplice, Samaila Salisu, were apprehended during a routine patrol near Timber Market, Uyo, on July 12, 2024. Following rigorous interrogation, Okon confessed to the murder, and the decomposed body of the victim, Saviour Anthony Effiong, 45, was exhumed and taken to a morgue.
Commissioner Ayilara also presented other suspects involved in various crimes, including kidnapping, rape, trafficking, and vandalism. He assured that all suspects would be charged in court upon the completion of investigations.
Ayilara expressed gratitude to the community, government, and other security agencies for their collaborative efforts in combating crime and urged continued support.
