Police arrest man caught selling stolen N2m block machine in A’Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old man, Emmanuel Etim, in connection with the theft of an industrial block moulding machine vibrator valued at over N2 million. The suspect was apprehended by police detectives as he attempted to dispose of the stolen equipment.

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Police detectives, acting on a report of the theft of an industrial block moulding machine vibrator valued at approximately N2 million from the Ikot Ekpene International Market project site along Calabar–Itu Road, launched a coordinated investigation which led to the arrest of Emmanuel Etim, aged 23, while he was allegedly attempting to dispose of the stolen equipment.

According to a statement issued by the command's Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the machine was stolen from the Ikot Ekpene International Market project site along the Calabar-Itu Road. The stolen equipment has since been recovered. Police are actively working to apprehend other members of the gang believed to be involved, who are still at large.

In a separate development, the police command also arrested a 46-year-old man, Nsidibe Benson, for allegedly vandalizing property belonging to the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic. The arrest occurred on July 19, 2026, following a distress call from a member of the public.

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On 19th July, 2026, following a distress call from a vigilant member of the public, police operatives swiftly responded to a report of vandalism at one of the buildings within Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Benson specializes in vandalizing and stealing items such as louvres, aluminum window frames, and electrical wires and cables. Exhibits recovered from him at the scene included cut-to-size aluminum window frames and electrical cables. Benson has confessed to the crime, and further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend his accomplices.

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The suspect, Nsidibe Benson, aged 46, was arrested at the scene. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect specialises in the vandalisation and theft of aluminium window frames, electrical wires, and cables.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the vigilance and timely information provided by the public, which he stated were crucial to these operational successes. He reiterated the command's commitment to protecting public infrastructure, ensuring safety, and bringing criminal elements to justice. The commissioner urged residents to remain security-conscious and continue their partnership with the police.

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The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the vigilance and timely information provided by the public, which contributed significantly to the operational successes.