Akwa Ibom Police arrested three suspected fraudsters accused of running a statewide scam network.
Officials said the suspects lured victims nationwide and moved illicit funds through multiple accounts.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three suspected fraudsters believed to be part of a network that has been duping unsuspecting residents across the state.
In a statement released on Monday, September 15, 2025, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said the arrests followed numerous complaints lodged by victims of the group’s activities.
John explained that operatives began a technology-driven intelligence operation in July 2025 under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare. This operation, he said, culminated in the arrest of three key suspects at about 1:30 p.m. on September 5, 2025, at a hideout in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
According to the statement, the first suspect, 27-year-old Prince Francis Albert from Edemeya village in Ikot Abasi LGA, is believed to be the ring leader. He allegedly lured victims from across the country using several phone lines including 07018079625, 08057090611, 09125284189, 08169159852, and 08081732375. Police said Albert confessed to starting his operations in 2022 after graduating from Sokoto State Polytechnic and admitted to using false identities to swindle high-profile figures such as politicians, military officers, and senior police officials.
Investigators added that Albert sourced personal contact details from sources like wedding invitations, obituary notices, complimentary cards, and online listings. He reportedly moved from Oyo State to Akwa Ibom in April 2025 to evade arrest.
The second suspect, 39-year-old Augustine Ernest Bassey of Okobo LGA, operated a Point-of-Sale business and is accused of channeling proceeds from the scams through his OPay account (8081732375). He allegedly handled substantial sums of illicit funds between April and August 2025.
The third suspect, 35-year-old Mbetobong Godwin of Ibesikpo LGA, lived in the same compound as Albert. He allegedly collected money on behalf of the syndicate using his own OPay account (8160526905) during the same period.
Police said all three suspects are cooperating with investigators to recover SIM cards and trace other members of the syndicate still at large.
The command urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.
