Police nab phone snatchers and receivers in Cross River

Phone snatchers and receivers have been apprehended by Nigeria Police Force personnel in Calabar’s zone six.

The suspects allegedly stole the phones during the recently completed Calabar Carnival.

In a statement issued Friday evening, Zone Six PRO SP Nelson Okpabi confirmed the arrest.

“On the 18th of August, 2023, one Edwin Effiong Edet ‘m’ of 23 years of No. 5 Ikot Ekpo Street, Calabar, was arrested in connection with the snatching of Tecno Spark 7P phone along Tinapa road on 10th August, 2023, property of one Pastor Ekom Smart.

“Similarly, one Ibrahim Abdulahi ‘m’ 23 years and Haruna Adamu ‘m’ 25 years of No. 13/14 Bogobiri, Calabar were arrested on 21st December, 2023 for maliciously damaging a Toyota Hilux on 10th December, 2023 at Eleven-Eleven Calabar during Carol night and for stealing (1) A Redmi Smart Note ‘8’ valued ₦250, 000 (2) One Samsung Galaxy A59 5G valued ₦500, 000 and (3) Jewelries valued ₦800,000 property of one Pastor Caleb James ‘m’.”

Okpabi said that a Tecno Spark 7P, a Redmi Smart Note ‘8’, and a Samsung Galaxy A59 5G were found during the search of the suspects’ homes.

In their admissions, they said that they got the things from their suppliers but denied participating in the theft.

The statement also verified the discovery of a silver Toyota Corolla car with the registration number BWR 973 CL and the VIN number 2T1BR32EX4C218077 belonging to one Edoma Jonah.

The automobile was seized at gunpoint in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, but was later discovered in Calabar.

“Surveillance was mounted and the vehicle recovered from Daniel Isuk John, 24, who stays at No. 50 Abang Asseng Street, Calabar, who fraudulently obtained a new vehicle license and changed the registration number to BJE 445 TY.

“The suspects have made useful statements to the police and will be arraigned at the end of investigation,” he said.

According to Okpabi, AIG Jonathan Towuru advised the people of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States to go about their normal business and rely on the police and sister security services to protect their lives and property.