Murder suspect, six others in police custody for alleged arson, assault in Akwa Ibom

A 42-year-old murder suspect, Ifiok Akpan, and six other persons are in police custody over their alleged involvement in a fatal stabbing incident and the subsequent burning of a village head's residence and vehicle in Odoro Ikot Clan, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The command's Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a press release on Tuesday, stating that the incident, which occurred on November 2, 2026, was reported to the police in the early hours of November 3 by a concerned individual.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a misunderstanding reportedly arose between Akpan and the deceased, Ukeme Jonah, over the sharing of family funds.

In the course of the disagreement, the suspect allegedly attacked the victim with a broken bottle, inflicting a deep wound to his abdomen.

John said the victim was immediately rushed to a hospital for medical attention but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.

She explained, "Following his death, the deceased's corpse was reportedly taken to the compound of the Village Head. In a subsequent development, some individuals, allegedly acting in retaliation, set the Village Head's residence ablaze and also burnt his Toyota 4Runner vehicle.

"Acting swiftly on the report, police operatives arrested the principal murder suspect, Ifiok Akpan, at his hideout.

"In a further coordinated operation, operatives proceeded to the scene of the incident at about 11:45 a.m. on November 3, 2026, where six additional suspects were arrested in connection with the arson.

"The arrested suspects are Godwin Sunday, 42; Francis Dominic, 28; Julius Archibong, 52; Kingsley Ukeme, 23; Paulinus Bede, 28; and Udeme Tommy, 40. All six suspects are indigenes of Ukana Mbak Ukot Village, Odoro Ikot Clan, Essien Udim Local Government Area."

She said the corpse of the deceased had been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, has directed that a thorough and discreet investigation be conducted to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that all persons found culpable are brought to justice.

Murder suspect, six others in police custody for alleged arson, assault in Akwa Ibom