Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a murder and robbery syndicate allegedly responsible for the killing of a 55-year-old commercial driver, Mr. Christopher Emmanuel Akpabio, and the theft of his vehicle.
The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Blessing Karbolo Agabe, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A. Adepoju.
According to the police, the victim, a native of Akwa Ibom State, was reported missing on May 22, 2026. Preliminary investigations revealed that he was hired at Garrison Park in Port Harcourt by some individuals who claimed they were travelling to Asarama Community in Andoni Local Government Area for a traditional marriage ceremony.
Police said the suspects allegedly lured the driver under false pretences, murdered him and made away with his black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA.
Further investigations led operatives to a shallow grave in Asarama Community, where the remains of the deceased were discovered and exhumed.
The suspects arrested in connection with the incident were identified as David Mark, 30, and Nkajit Williams, 45, both natives of Andoni Local Government Area, as well as Godgift John, 33, a native of Okrika Local Government Area.
The Command said operatives of its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Diobu, launched an intelligence-driven operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspects on May 28, 2026.
During the operation, the stolen vehicle was recovered.
Police said the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) mortuary for preservation and further examination.
The Command added that investigations were ongoing and that efforts had been intensified to apprehend a fourth suspect who remains at large.
While urging residents to remain vigilant, the police advised commercial drivers to exercise caution when accepting trips from unfamiliar persons and to always inform family members, colleagues or trusted associates before embarking on long-distance journeys.
