The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the brutal killing of a 55-year-old bus driver, Christopher Akpabio, in Asarama community, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Command said the arrests followed a report of the victim’s sudden disappearance, which triggered an intelligence-led investigation by its Violent Crime Response Unit.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Blessing Agabe, disclosed that the suspects allegedly lured the driver under the pretext of hiring him for transportation to a traditional marriage ceremony in Andoni, but instead executed a deadly plan.
According to the police, the deceased was picked up at Garrison, a busy transport hub in Port Harcourt, before being taken toward Asarama community, where he was attacked, killed, and buried in a shallow grave. His mini-bus was also stolen.
The statement partly read that the operation was part of the Command’s intensified efforts to combat violent crime under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, in line with national security directives from the Inspector General of Police.
The police said, “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 for a traditional marriage ceremony, unknown to him that they had a sinister mission.”
Investigators later uncovered a disturbing development, confirming that the victim had been murdered and buried in a shallow grave within Asarama community.
The Command identified the suspects as David Mark (30), Nkajit Williams (45), and Godgift John (33), all of whom are residents of Rivers State.
Police further revealed that operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, based in Diobu, tracked and arrested the suspects on 28th May 2026 following sustained intelligence operations.
During the operation, officers also recovered the stolen black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA.
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The remains of the deceased have since been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital mortuary for preservation and further forensic examination, while investigations continue to track down a fourth suspect still at large.
The Command warned members of the public to be more security conscious when engaging transporters or strangers for long-distance trips, urging drivers to always inform relatives or trusted contacts before embarking on journeys.
It also encouraged residents to report suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest police station or emergency lines for prompt response.
Meanwhile, the police reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Rivers State does not serve as a safe haven for violent criminals.
In a related development, authorities have also intensified broader crackdowns on violent crimes across the state in recent months.