Port Harcourt – The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of a commercial driver, Christopher Akpabio, and recovered his stolen vehicle.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, told journalists on Thursday that Mr Akpabio, 55, an indigene of Akwa Ibom, was reported missing on 22 May.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects hired the victim at Garrison Park in Port Harcourt under the pretence of travelling to Asarama Community in Andoni Local Government Area for a traditional marriage ceremony.
“The suspects allegedly lured the victim to Asarama Community, where they murdered him and dispossessed him of his vehicle,” Mrs Agabe said.
The stolen vehicle has been identified as a black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA.
Further inquiries led detectives to a shallow grave in Asarama Community, where the victim’s remains were discovered.
The three suspects, aged between 30 and 45, are indigenes of Andoni and Okrika Local Government Areas. Officers from the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, Diobu, launched an intelligence-driven investigation following the missing person report.
“The operation culminated in the arrest of the three suspects on 28 May. The stolen minibus was recovered during the operation,” Mrs Agabe said.
The deceased’s body has been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital mortuary for preservation and further examination.
Investigations are ongoing, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend a fourth suspect who remains at large.
Mrs Agabe urged residents to exercise caution when entering transportation or business arrangements with unfamiliar persons, especially for long-distance or late-night trips.
“Commercial drivers are also advised to inform their family members, colleagues or trusted associates before embarking on such journeys,” she said.
The police spokesperson encouraged the public to promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.