Police arrest phone snatchers and car thieves in Cross River

Operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Zone Six, Calabar, have successfully apprehended individuals involved in phone snatching and car theft during the recently concluded Calabar Carnival.

According to a statement released by the Zone Six PRO, SP Nelson Okpabi, the arrest included Edwin Effiong Edet, 23, who was apprehended for the snatching of a Tecno Spark 7P phone along Tinapa road during the Calabar Carnival. Another pair, Ibrahim Abdulahi, 23, and Haruna Adamu, 25, were arrested for damaging a Toyota Hilux during a Carol night event on December 10, 2023, and stealing items including a Redmi Smart Note ‘8,’ a Samsung Galaxy A59 5G, and valuable jewelry belonging to Pastor Caleb James.

During a search of the suspects’ residences, the police recovered a Tecno Spark 7P, a Redmi Smart Note ‘8,’ and a Samsung Galaxy A59 5G. The suspects admitted receiving the items from others but denied involvement in the actual thefts.

Additionally, the police successfully recovered a silver-colored Toyota Corolla Car with Registration No. BWR 973 CL, VIN: 2T1BR32EX4C218077, belonging to Edoma Jonah. The car had been snatched at gunpoint in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, but was later found in Calabar.

Surveillance efforts led to the recovery of the vehicle from Daniel Isuk John, 24, residing at No. 50 Abang Asseng Street, Calabar. John had fraudulently obtained a new vehicle license and changed the registration number to BJE 445 TY.

AIG Jonathan Towuru advised the people of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States to continue their lawful activities, assuring them of the police and sister security agencies’ commitment to ensuring the security of lives and property. The suspects are expected to face charges at the conclusion of the investigation.