The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Mr. Samuel Ekerenam, owner of Hephzibah Shopping Mall, located along Afaha Uqua Obok-Idim Road in Eket Local Government Area.

The incident occurred at around 10:55 p.m. at the mall located along Afaha Uqua Obok-Idim Road in Eket Local Government Area.

Confirming the development on Tuesday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, said: “The assailants overpowered the victim’s police escort after killing his driver and forcibly took Mr. Ekerenam away.

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“The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Eribo, and his tactical team have visited the scene, and efforts are in top gear to rescue the victim unharmed.”

A family source disclosed that the injured police officer is receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in the state.

This abduction comes four years after Mr. Ekerenam’s wife, Glory Ekerenam, was kidnapped in October 2019 in Eket and held captive in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area before being freed.

The police have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations as security agencies intensify efforts to address the growing wave of insecurity in Akwa Ibom State.

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of misappropriation of public funds.

Sources indicate that the ex-governor is undergoing interrogation at the EFCC’s Abuja office.

Conflicting reports have emerged about the circumstances of his appearance.

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While some sources claim he was arrested by EFCC operatives, others say he arrived at the commission’s headquarters voluntarily, accompanied by his legal team.

This development comes ahead of a court hearing scheduled for November 27, part of a fresh case filed by the EFCC against Bello.

During the last hearing on November 14, the commission requested an adjournment, citing the 30-day legal window for the summons issued against him.

Biztellers reports that the EFCC had declared Bello wanted in April 2024 after he reportedly ignored several invitations and resisted arrest.

A dramatic attempt to detain him at his Abuja residence on April 17 ended in a standoff.

EFCC operatives, supported by the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), surrounded the property for hours.

During the tense standoff, Governor Usman Ododo, Bello’s successor, arrived at the scene but left shortly after.

As Ododo departed, reports emerged suggesting Bello might have been in one of his vehicles.

This prompted security personnel on standby to open fire, although details of the incident remain unclear.

Since that day, Bello had not been seen in public until his current appearance at the EFCC.

The EFCC has yet to issue an official statement regarding Bello’s detention or the ongoing interrogation.

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a vigilante operative attempting to flee with a firearm concealed in a bag of rice.

The incident occurred on Friday, November 22, at Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Tuesday, disclosed that the suspect, 25-year-old Enediong Bassey, was apprehended by officers from the 3-3 Police Divisional Headquarters, led by CSP Emeka Obi.

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Bassey, a native of Ikono Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, was caught with a pump-action gun during the operation.

“Police operatives acting on credible information arrested Enediong Bassey and recovered one pump action gun wrapped in a bag of rice at Nkwelle-Ezunaka,” Ikenga said.

“During interrogation, the suspect admitted to being a member of a vigilante group but confessed that he was absconding with the weapon to join a criminal gang for armed robbery and other unlawful activities.”

Ikenga noted that the arrest reflects growing concerns over misconduct by some members of vigilante groups in the state.

As a result, the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, has emphasized the need for stricter oversight of such operatives.

“Given the above and following other complaints and unprofessional conduct by some security outfits and vigilante members, the Commissioner of Police, in line with the principles of community policing, reiterates the calls for profiling of security operatives assisting the Police and other security agencies on anti-crime operations to improve safety in the state,” Ikenga stated.

The commissioner has also directed the immediate transfer of the suspect to the command’s anti-robbery squad for comprehensive investigations.