3 suspects arrested as police rescue elderly man from suspected fraud syndicate in Akwa Ibom

Thursday, February 5, 2026 - The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued an 81-year-old man from a suspected fraud syndicate operating in Uyo and environs.

The spokesperson of the command, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 said three suspects were arrested during the operation.

According to the PPRO, the group of fraudsters, locally referred to as “Utotoh" specialised in using deceptive and diabolical means to dispossess their victims of money and other valuables.

John said the fraudsters use an operational tricycle to lure and convey their victims.

“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that on Monday, 3rd February 2026, at about 3:30 p.m., operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, successfully dismantled a suspected fraud syndicate operating within Uyo metropolis and its environs,” the statement read. 

"The intelligence, provided by a concerned and public-spirited individual, revealed the activities of a group of fraudsters, locally referred to as “Utotoh,” who allegedly specialized in deceiving unsuspecting members of the public. 

"The suspects reportedly used an operational tricycle to lure and convey victims, after which they employed deceptive and diabolical means to dispossess them of their monies and other valuables.

"Acting swiftly on the information, operatives of the Command swung into action and arrested the following suspects: Otoabasi Ekpeyong, ‘m’ 51 years, Ubong Sylvanus, ‘m’ 42 years and Sunday Akpan, ‘m’ 60 years.

"During the operation, a victim identified as one Friday, male, 81 years, a pensioner, was rescued unhurt from the suspects 

"Also recovered from the suspects was their operational tricycle, with registration number UFG-886-QA, without a Motor Number.

"The suspects confessed to the crime, admitting that they had fraudulently obtained money and properties from several individuals within Uyo and surrounding areas.

Investigation is ongoing to identify and reach out to other victims, obtain their statements, and effect the arrest of other members of the criminal syndicate.

“The Command assures the public of its unwavering commitment to the safety of lives and property and encourages residents to continue to provide timely and credible information to the Police.”