Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Mr. Hafiz Inuwa has paraded seventeen (17) suspected criminals who were involved in various crimes in the state.
The CP said that one Miss Bassey Happiness, 22, allegedly kidnapped by some of the suspects was rescued.
Briefing newsmen on Thursday, Inuwa said the criminals committed various offences ranging from, armed robbery, abduction, kidnapping and unlawful possession of fire arms
He pointed out that the suspected criminals were nabbed by the police following a tip off by members of the public.
The suspects, he said, had been terrorizing members of the public with sophisticated armed.
“On September 27, 2017, at about 3pm patrol men attached to “A” Division rescue one Bassey Happiness Okon “f” 22years while returning from her business centre at Marian by Atekong Junction.
“A patrol team intercepted a Toyota Camry with four occupants along Atimbo Road by Mountain of Fire who abandoned the car and took to the their heels, on searching the car, the female victim was found inside with her face covered with a mask and a locally made pistol found inside the car”, he said.
Inuwa explained that the victim was heading to her residence at No 3 Willkie Street, Calabar before the incident, adding that investigation was still on-going to arrest the fleeing bandits.
He said that on September 26, 2017, at about 5pm, his men from Atakpa police Division, arrested one Lawrence Eyo, male, who reportedly abducted one Etiko along Victor Akan street Calabar, with a fabricated revolver pistol, with two live ammunition, 2 cartridges and some charms in his possession.
According to him: “The suspect confessed being members of a cult group and investigation is currently on-going to confirm his claims and also to arrest the manufacturer of the gun so as to charge them to court.”
On the arrest of three armed robbery suspects, the CP stated that “in the early hours of September 23, this year, upon a distress call that a gang of armed robbers terrorizing Uwanse environs, Police moved in and arrested the suspects.”
Inuwa said that one of the victims was the Pastor of Trinity Villa International Church situated at 101 Goldie by DSTV Office in Calabar who they robbed of unspecific amount of cash.
The items recovered from the suspects by the Nigerian Police include police pullover, army jungle cap, one belt and a military vest.
Other items included seven locally made pistols, fabricated revolver pistol, a dane gun with seven live catridges, two live ammunition, charms, 32inches LG plasma television set, machete, handset, spanners, screw driver, one Toyota Camry car, cutter and several other incriminating items.