From Isaac Job, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom Police Command has arrested the suspected leader of kidnapping syndicate, Okon Asuquo Udo in the abduction of a paramount ruler in the state has been arrested.
A statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, made available to Journalists in Uyo ,stated that the kidnap kingpin, who is a native of Ube village in Okobo Local Government ,was already on police wanted list for his involvement in high profile multiple kidnapping cases in the state .
The statement reads in parts: “Following credible intelligence on August 13, 2025, at approximately 1100 hours, Operatives of the Command apprehended the suspect, one Okon Asuquo Udo, a male resident of Ube village in Okobo Local Government Area. Udo had been on the Command’s wanted list for his alleged involvement in multiple kidnap incidents”
John explained that the suspect was a principal suspect and gang leader in abduction of a paramount ruler and wife of a local government area last year .
“Investigations reveal that Udo is a principal suspect in the kidnap of a Paramount Ruler (name withheld) in October 2024 and the wife of an Executive Chairman (name withheld) in November 2024.
“He is also believed to have been a participant in several other kidnapping activities across the Oron, Mbo, and Okobo Local Government Areas.
“The suspect was sighted and arrested in his home village of Ube, Okobo LGA, after being on the run for several months”.
The Police Spokesperson said investigation was ongoing including manhunt to arrest other members of the gang.
“Discreet investigations are currently ongoing to apprehend other members of his gang and recover their operational weapons”.
