The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 44-year-old man, Paul Samuel Edu, for allegedly r@ping a female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara disclosed this during a press briefing at the Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo on Monday, July 22, 2024.

The CP said the suspect, who is the son of the alleged victim’s landlord, raped the victim after threatening to harm her with a machete.

“On 20/7/2024 at about 3:15pm, a National Youth Service Corps member residing at Ukana Iba village in Essien Udim reported that at about 3:00am one Paul Samuel Edu 44yrs (her landlord’s son) came knocking at her door,” the CP stated. “That on opening the door, the said Paul brandished her with a machete and directed her to follow him to his room for a talk or else he would harm her. On reaching the suspect’s room, he bolted the door, tore her clothes and had carnal knowledge without her consent. “Suspect was arrested, one machete and a slaughter knife was recovered from him. Investigation is ongoing.”

The police boss also paraded suspected vandals and members of armed robbery syndicates arrested in various parts of the state.

Acting on credible information that some vandals were pulling down high-tension electric cables along Eastern Obolo L.G.A., Operatives of the Command arrested one Napiu Ibrahim ‘m’ age 19yrs, Melon Selitima ‘m’ age 22yrs and Abdul Abubbakar ‘m’ age 22yrs. A bag containing high-tension cables was recovered from the suspects. Suspects will have their day in court,” the CP stated.

“Following intelligence report that an armed robbery syndicate terrorizing Uyo metropolis were selling out their stolen/looted items, Operatives of the Command mobilized to the scene and arrested one Emmanuel Ekpenyong Bassey ‘m’ aged 20yrs, Saviour Etim Bassey ‘m’ aged 24yrs, Emem Christopher Charles ‘m’ aged 23yrs, Elijah Solomon Obot ‘m’ aged 21yrs and Etiuwem Christian Etim ‘m’ aged 22yrs, all of Uyo L.G.A.

“Further investigation led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, one Sumer- Fire Man SPG4000E2 Generator, two (2) LG Flat Screen Television, Three (3) LG Speakers, one (1) Zinox Laptop, one (1) 6KG Gas Cylinder, one (1) Gionee Phone, one (1) Huawei Phone, one (1) Tecno Android Phone and one (1) Tecno Button Phone.

“Suspects have confessed to the crime and stated that they are about fifteen (15) members in their syndicate. Effort is ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate.”