A disturbing incident was reported at the press briefing held by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command on Friday. Aniekan James, a member of the close-knit community residing in Ikot Ndot village, Ukanafun Local Government, stood accused of an appalling crime—the brutal killing of his lone son, Odudu Aniekan James, who was 35 years old.
Among the 268 suspects on display for their roles in different crimes, Aniekan James stood out for a haunting reason. The State Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durusinmi, disclosed that James is a serial murderer, having committed similar atrocities in Lagos and Abia States prior to his apprehension in Akwa Ibom State.
This revelation has sparked outrage and demands a thorough investigation into how such a dangerous individual could roam freely and continue to sow terror in multiple states.
According to the police chief, the apprehension of the suspect took place on June 16, 2023, carried out by the personnel of the Ukanafun Police Division.
‘On 16/06/2023, one Aniekan James of Ikot Ndot village in Ukanafun L.G.A was arrested by Ukanafun Division for shooting his 35 years old only son who has been having a war of words with him, one Odudu Aniekan James. The suspect is a habitual murderer who has committed murders in Lagos and Aba Abia State.’
The police chief, during the press conference, revealed that a notorious gang leader was apprehended earlier this week following an intensive undercover operation conducted by law enforcement agents.
The police chief provided an update stating that the remaining ransom, amounting to over N2 million, was successfully recovered along with the Toyota Corolla used in the abduction operation. Furthermore, he announced that the Vice Chancellor has been safely reunited with his family, bringing an end to their distressing ordeal.
The commissioner said, ‘On the 14th of April 2023, at about 10:30 am, the Vice-chancellor of a private University in the State was kidnapped on his way home.’
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‘Two days later, being the 16th, in a prompt and discreet investigation, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Command, arrested one Prince Thursday Okon, a former domestic staff of the VC, sacked because of his criminal tendencies who masterminded the kidnapping and two of his gang members, Saviour Sunday Luke and Richard Friday, all of Ikot Ebam Village in Mkpan Enin LGA.’
‘The sum of one million, two hundred and seventy thousand naira cash was recovered as part of the ransom paid, while two hundred and fifty thousand naira was left in one of the suspect’s accounts. The Toyota Corolla used for the operation was also recovered. The VC has been reunited with his family,’ he noted.
Among the notable individuals showcased during the parade was Edu Udeme Ime, a suspected ritualist who had been apprehended by the diligent operatives of the Quick Response Squad. Startlingly, Ime was found in possession of a human skull, adding gravity to the charges against him.
‘On 15/05/2023 at about 8:05:pm one Edu Udeme Ime of Mbak Etoi village, Uyo was arrested at Urua Ekpa Junction by the command’s Quick Response Squad for being in possession of a human skull. The suspect could not give a reasonable explanation as to why he was in possession of a human but only name the ring leader who is a ritualist,’ the commissioner added.
The realization of the procession provided a stark and unsettling portrayal of the seedy underbelly that exists within the society, prompting a call for authorities to redouble their efforts in eradicating these heinous crimes and securing justice for the victims.
