Port Harcourt, June 4, 2026 – The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged killing of a commercial driver, Mr Christopher Akpabio, and recovered his stolen vehicle.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Grace Iringe-Koko (note: use provided name? original says Blessing Agabe), disclosed this on Thursday in Port Harcourt, stating that the victim, aged 55 and an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, was declared missing on May 22.
She explained that preliminary findings showed the suspects hired the driver at Garrison Park in Port Harcourt, pretending they were travelling to Asarama Community in Andoni Local Government Area for a traditional marriage ceremony.
According to her, the suspects lured the victim to the community, where he was allegedly killed and his vehicle taken.
The stolen vehicle was identified as a black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA.
She further disclosed that investigations led operatives to a shallow grave in Asarama Community, where the remains of the victim were recovered.
Agabe said the suspects, aged between 30 and 45, are indigenes of Andoni and Okrika Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
She noted that operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit in Diobu launched an intelligence-led investigation after the case was reported.
The operation, she said, resulted in the arrest of the three suspects on May 28, while the stolen vehicle was also recovered.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital mortuary for preservation and forensic examination.
Agabe added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend a fourth suspect still at large.
She advised members of the public to exercise caution when engaging in transport arrangements with unfamiliar passengers, especially for long-distance or late-night trips.
She also urged commercial drivers to inform family members or trusted contacts before embarking on journeys.
The police spokesperson encouraged residents to report suspicious individuals or activities promptly to the nearest police station.
She reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property and preventing criminal elements from operating within the state.