The police command in Rivers has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged murder of a commercial driver, Christopher Akpabio, and recovered his stolen vehicle.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, told journalists on Thursday in Port Harcourt that Mr Akpabio, 55, an indigene of Akwa Ibom, was reported missing on May 22.

Mrs Agabe said 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,” she said.

The police spokesperson identified the stolen vehicle as a black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA.

She said further investigations led to the discovery of the victim’s remains buried in a shallow grave in Asarama Community.

Mrs Agabe stated that the three suspects, aged between 30 and 45, were indigenes of Andoni and Okrika Local Government Areas of the state.

She explained that operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, Diobu, launched an intelligence-driven investigation after the incident was reported.

“The operation culminated in the arrest of the three suspects on May 28. The stolen minibus was recovered during the operation,” she said.

She added that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital mortuary for preservation and further examination.

Mrs Agabe said investigations were ongoing, while efforts had been intensified to apprehend a fourth suspect who remained at large.

She urged residents to exercise caution when entering into transportation or business arrangements with unfamiliar persons, particularly 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 members of the public to promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.

She reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven in the state. 

(NAN)