The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of a 55-year-old commercial driver, Christopher Akpabio, in Asarama community, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to the police, the arrests followed a report of the driver’s disappearance, which triggered an intelligence-led investigation by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit.
The Command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Agabe said the suspects allegedly hired Akpabio from Garrison Junction in Port Harcourt under the pretext of attending a traditional marriage ceremony in Asarama community, concealing what investigators described as a plan to rob and kill him.
The statement alleged that while travelling to the community, the suspects attacked and murdered the driver, buried his body in a shallow grave and stole his mini bus.
It stated: “Following the proactive crime-fighting strategies of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, aimed at combating violent crimes and strengthening public safety across the State, in line with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the Command has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation of a case involving alleged murder and robbery, leading to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of a stolen vehicle.
“The incident was reported on 22nd May 2026 following the disappearance of one Mr. Christopher Emmanuel Akpabio, male, 55 years, a native of Akwa Ibom State.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased was hired at Garrison Park, Port Harcourt, by the suspects under the guise of transporting them to Asarama Community in Andoni Local Government Area for a traditional marriage ceremony, unknown to him that they had a sinister mission to murder him and dispossess him of his vehicle, a black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA.”
The police further stated: “Further investigation later led to the shocking discovery of the victim’s remains buried in a shallow grave at Asarama community in Andoni Local Government Area in Rivers state.”
The arrested suspects were identified as David Mark, 30; Nkajit Williams, 45; and Godgift John, 33.
According to the statement, “Operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit in Diobu immediately launched a painstaking intelligence-driven investigation which culminated in the arrest of the three suspects on 28th May 2026.
“During the operation, the stolen black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA was successfully recovered, while the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital mortuary for preservation and further examination.
“Investigation is still ongoing, and concerted efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fourth suspect who is currently at large.”
The police urged residents to remain vigilant when entering transport or business arrangements with unfamiliar individuals, particularly for long-distance or night-time trips.
“Commercial drivers are strongly advised to always inform family members, colleagues, or trusted associates before embarking on such journeys. Residents are also encouraged to promptly report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency lines for prompt action,” the statement added.
The Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Rivers State and ensuring that criminal elements do not find refuge within the state.
Meanwhile, the statement referenced a separate case in May in which the Imo State Police Command arrested three students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri over the alleged killing of 21-year-old undergraduate Chinedu Christogonus. The victim, a 100-level Cyber Security student, was reportedly beaten to death by members of the university’s Man O’ War organisation over allegations that he stole N13,500.
