The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspect found in possession of 36 stolen mobile phones, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
The arrest was made during a routine patrol along the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road when officers flagged down a suspicious commercial vehicle. A search of the suspect’s luggage revealed the phones, many of which had been reported stolen by victims across the state.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, said the 28-year-old suspect confessed to buying the devices from armed robbery and burglary gangs operating in Uyo and neighbouring local government areas. He disclosed that the phones were being transported to a syndicate in a neighbouring state for resale.
John said the command is working to identify and return the recovered devices to their rightful owners. He urged residents to properly document their phone IMEI numbers to aid recovery efforts.
The suspect remains in custody and will face charges related to receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
The arrest comes amid rising phone theft incidents in the South-South region, with police promising sustained patrols to curb the menace.
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