A 44-year-old man identified simply as Paul Edu has been arrested by men of the Akwa Ibom State Police command for sexually assaulting a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, disclosed this development during a recent briefing with journalists at the command’s headquarters in Ikot Akpan, Abia, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday.
According to him, the accused, who is the son of the landlord of the individual who was assaulted, was detained on Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Ukana Iba village, Essien Udim Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, around 3:15 am.
The police boss disclosed that the incident occurred after the suspect forced the victim to his residence, where he engaged in sexual activity with her.
He said, “On 20/7/2024 at about 3:15 pm, a National Youth Service Corps member residing at Ukana Iba village in Essien Udim reported that at about 3:00 am one Paul Samuel Edu 44yrs (her landlord’s son) came knocking at her door.
“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. The suspect was arrested, and one machete and a slaughter knife were recovered from him. The investigation is ongoing.”
The CP also announced other breakthroughs recorded by the command within the period under review, including the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and recovery of firearms, the arrest of suspects for vandalisation, the arrest of an armed robbery syndicate and child trafficking suspects, among others.
He disclosed that the operation also revealed an arsenal within a private mortuary located in Ekeya, within the Okobo Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Commissioner further elaborated that the command initiated a raid on the facility following the receipt of intelligence following the apprehension of a kidnapping syndicate.
He further stated that the syndicate, under the leadership of a fugitive kidnapper identified as Ubong Effiong Archibong, commonly referred to as ‘Condiment’, was implicated in the abduction and murder of numerous individuals within the state.
Through diligent investigation and reliable information, operatives of the Command successfully dismantled the operations of a notorious kidnapping syndicate, led by Ubong Effiong Archibong, alias Condiment, who was responsible for the illicit activities.
“The kidnapping syndicate is responsible for the kidnapping and killing of several persons. The said firearms were recovered at a private mortuary being used as the armoury at Ekeya, Okobo L.G.A.
“The firearms are Two (2) AK-47 Rifles, Two (2) G3 Rifles, One (1) Double Barrel Rifle, One (1) Single Barrel Rifle, Five (5) Magazines and Seven (7) Live Ammunition,” the CP noted.
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