…Burkina Faso-based ringleader indicted
On September 12, 2025, at approximately 10:30 PM, operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Police Force arrested three suspects in connection with a kidnapping and human trafficking case. The operation was launched following a tip about a human trafficking syndicate operating in the area.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Akwa Ibom State Command, DSP Timfon John.
According to the statement “The victim, (name withheld) a native of Igbanki Village in Oriong Local Government Area, Edo State, was allegedly sent by his brother-in-law, a suspected human trafficking ring leader based in Burkina Faso. Michael was instructed to transport several girls from Uyo to Burkina Faso. Upon his arrival in Uyo, the girls directed him to a hotel (name withheld) in Nung Oku, Ibesikpo Asutan, in a mini-bus driven by one of the suspects.
On arrival at the hotel, the girls and other accomplices reportedly locked Michael in a room and demanded a ransom of four million naira (N4,000,000). Unable to pay the full amount, he was subjected to severe beatings. The assailants seized his ATM card, forced him to reveal his PIN, and withdrew one hundred and eleven thousand naira (111,000) from his account. They then forced him to contact his brother-in-law in Burkina Faso to send the remaining money.
“Acting on the intelligence, police operatives swiftly moved in and arrested three suspects: Iniobong David, 45yrs; Edikan Samuel, 23yrs and Joseph Jonah Akpan, 27yrs. Other suspects fled the scene upon the arrival of the police.
A search of the hotel room led to the recovery of a handbag containing the following items:
• one international passport
• a national identity card
• a voter’s card
• six ATM cards from various banks, all bearing the name Utuk Unyime Justine.
• A University of Uyo Town Campus Annex gate pass
• 3 button mobile phones
• 2 Android phones
• 2 power banks
• Mini bus with REG. NO. KTE 867 XA
“The suspects are currently in police custody and are providing useful information to aid the investigation. Efforts are underway to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
This operation underscores the commitment of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command to combating human trafficking and other forms of organized crime”.
