Police arrest six suspects over murder of marine hunters in Akwa Ibom

The police command in Akwa Ibom says its operatives have exhumed the bodies of marine hunters of the ministry of internal security and inland waterways.

The police said the bodies were exhumed from a shallow grave in Unyenghe community, Mbo LGA in Akwa Ibom state.

The marine hunters were said to have been kidnapped on August 18, 2024, in Mbo LGA.

In a statement on Friday, Timfon John, Akwa Ibom spokesperson, said six suspects were arrested in connection with the murder of the hunters.

John disclosed that Okon Asuquo, the village head of Utit Antai, was also arrested for allegedly fortifying the suspected murderers.

“The command’s operatives upon getting the information embarked on a hot chase of the suspects and arrested the following suspects, Anthony Archibong ‘M’ 46yrs, Emmanuel Emmanuel Otoyo ‘M’ 18yrs, Daniel Edet Okon ‘M’ 26yrs, Eniete Harry Tom ‘M’ 34yrs, Joseph Okon ‘M’ 44yrs,” the statement reads.

“They were arrested alongside the village head of Utit Antai, Chief Okon Asuquo Eteokpo, who is said to be their ally and spiritual fortifier; while a total of 15 live cartridges were recovered from them.

“Upon their arrest, a combined team of the command launched a comprehensive search for the corpses and found them buried in shallow graves after hours of frantic toil, with their heads dismembered.

“The command has again reassured members of the public of their intentional determination to rid the State of crime and criminal elements appealing to members of the public to always report suspicious people and movements within their domain to the nearest police station.”