Police arrest suspect with 36 stolen phones in Akwa Ibom

Authorities in Akwa Ibom State have apprehended Musa Idris, a suspect allegedly involved in receiving and distributing stolen mobile phones. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command announced the re-arrest, stating that Idris was found in possession of 36 assorted mobile phones, including 34 Android devices and two button phones, all suspected to be linked to robbery activities.

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Operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence and in connection with a recent armed robbery incident along the Calabar–Itu Road axis, arrested one Musa Idris, a suspected receiver and distributor of stolen mobile phones linked to an armed robbery syndicate.

Commissioner of Police Baba Azare briefed journalists, revealing that Idris was arrested along the Calabar–Itu Road axis based on credible intelligence. This is not Idris's first encounter with the law; he was previously arrested in October 2025 for offenses related to armed robbery and possession of over 200 suspected stolen Android phones. The recovered phones are believed to be proceeds from armed robbery operations carried out by criminal elements operating both within and outside Akwa Ibom State.

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Investigations showed the suspect had previously been arrested in October 2025 for offences relating to armed robbery and possession of over 200 assorted Android phones suspected to be stolen.

During interrogation, Idris reportedly made useful confessions, suggesting the existence of a larger criminal network involved in the movement and resale of stolen phones internationally. The police have intensified efforts to apprehend other members of this syndicate who are believed to be at large.

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The recovered phones are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of armed robbery operations carried out by criminal elements operating within and outside Akwa Ibom State.

In addition to the phone theft case, the Commissioner highlighted other achievements of the command, including enforcement of vehicle registration regulations and a crackdown on the dissemination of false security information. He warned that spreading false security alerts or misleading information that could cause public panic is a criminal offense and will be prosecuted.

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The creation, publication, or dissemination of false security alerts and misleading information capable of causing public panic remains a criminal offence, and offenders will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.