‘79 arrested, 46 rescued in Akpabio’s residence during Akwa Ibom re-run’

Akwa Ibom State police command has confirmed the arrest of 79 suspects during last Saturday’s re-run election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state.

It added that 25 corps members and 21 security personnel were rescued by the command from the residence of All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Mr. Ibanga Akpabio, where the suspects were also apprehended.

This was contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Frederick N-Nudama, on what transpired during the rerun in Essien Udim Council.

“Acting on a distress call that INEC supervisors and ad-hoc staff and security agents attached to Ward 10, Unit 6 were abducted and electoral materials seized and diverted to a premises at Ukana Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim Area, later identified as the residence of one Ibanga Akpabio.

“The DCP in-charge of Operations, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Auwal Muhammed, swung into action and rescued 25 corps members and 21 security personnel. All the electoral materials were recovered and 79 suspects arrested at the aforementioned residence. Investigation is in progress and further development will be communicated promptly,” he said.

However, he said the exercise was peaceful and thanked the people of the council for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner.“The exercise was generally peaceful. Therefore, I appreciate the good people of Akwa Ibom State, particularly the people of Essien Udim for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner. I also appreciate all security agencies, candidates, the press and stakeholders for their efforts in making the exercise successful,” he added.