The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended three individuals in connection with the murder of a commercial driver who was deceived into transporting them to a fake traditional marriage ceremony, subsequently killed, and buried in a shallow grave before his vehicle was stolen.
Victim and Circumstances
The victim, Christopher Akpabio, aged 55, a native of Akwa Ibom State, was reported missing on May 22 after leaving Port Harcourt for Andoni Local Government Area on what seemed to be a routine transport trip. Police spokesperson in the state, Agabe Kaborlo, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, stated in a Facebook post on Thursday that preliminary investigations revealed the suspects hired the deceased at Garrison Park in Port Harcourt under the pretext of attending a traditional marriage ceremony in Asarama Community.
Sinister Mission
According to the police, the suspects had a different plan. "Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased was hired at Garrison Park, Port Harcourt, by the suspects under the guise of transporting them to Asarama Community in Andoni Local Government Area for a traditional marriage ceremony, unknown to him that they had a sinister mission to murder him and dispossess him of his vehicle," the police said.
Discovery of Body
Further investigations led to the discovery of Mr. Akpabio's remains buried in a shallow grave in Asarama Community. The arrested suspects are David Mark, 30, and Nkajit Williams, 45, both from Andoni Local Government Area, and Godgift John, 33, from Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State.
Police Operation
Operatives of the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Diobu, launched an intelligence-driven investigation on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju. The operation resulted in the arrest of the suspects on May 28. "During the operation, the stolen black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA was successfully recovered, while the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital mortuary for preservation and further examination," the statement said.
Ongoing Efforts
Police added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend a fourth suspect who remains at large. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adepoju, urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies. The police also advised commercial drivers to exercise caution when accepting trips from unknown persons and to always inform family members, colleagues, or trusted associates before embarking on long-distance journeys.
Reassurance
"The Command reassures the good people of Rivers State of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven within the State," the statement added.
