Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Rashid Bello Afegbua, has confirmed the arrest of a car snatcher, identified as Mr. Akaniyene Sunday Edem, aged 30, along with the recovery of a Toyota Highlander.
In a statement signed on his behalf by Irene Ugbo, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Afegbua also revealed that the police apprehended one Godswill Okoi, aged 21, of Ijima Street, Ugep, suspected to be the leader of a cult group responsible for multiple criminal activities.
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According to the statement, the vehicle was forcefully taken at gunpoint in Calabar but was recovered almost immediately following a distress call.
“The vehicle was dispossessed from the owner, Mrs. Wofi Eshiet Joshua of 16A Azikima Street, Spring Road, Calabar, at about 1607hrs on 12th September, 2025. A distress telephone call received by the Command prompted the Commissioner of Police to order a lockdown,” the statement read.
Ugbo stated that the lockdown proved effective as officers from 11 Police Mobile Force, Calabar, intercepted the suspected stolen vehicle while it was attempting to leave the city.
“The suspects refused to stop but were pursued in a hot chase, forcing them to abandon the jeep with registration number Kaduna-DKA-759-KY. One Akaniyene Sunday Edem, male, aged 30, of Nkwot Nsit Village, Nsit Ibiom LGA, Akwa Ibom State, was subsequently arrested, while others escaped into the nearby bush,” she added.
In a related development, police, with support from community members, arrested Okoi, suspected to be a member of the Vikings Confraternity. Officers recovered a locally fabricated pistol, two BB cartridges, criminal charms, a black bag, and N7,000 in cash from him.
The Commissioner of Police commended the public for their cooperation and urged residents to continue providing credible information to the police, emphasizing that such collaboration ensures Calabar remains a safe and welcoming environment for both locals and tourists.
