Rivers State Police Command has announced a breakthrough in the investigation into the disappearance and murder of 55-year-old Christopher Emmanuel Akpabio, with three suspects now in custody and a stolen vehicle recovered.
According to the Command, Akpabio was reported missing on 22 May 2026 after he was hired at Garrison Park in Port Harcourt by men who claimed they needed transport to Asarama Community in Andoni Local Government Area (LGA) for a traditional marriage ceremony.
Police say the journey was a ruse and believe the suspects intended to kill the driver and take possession of his black Daihatsu Hijet minibus, registration number BGM 328 DA.
The inquiry, led by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in Diobu, later led officers to a shallow grave in Asarama where Akpabio’s remains were discovered and subsequently deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) mortuary for preservation and further examination.
The stolen minibus was also recovered during the operation.
Police named the arrested men as David Mark, aged 30 and from Andoni, Nkajit Williams, aged 45 also from Andoni, and Godgift John, aged 33 from Okrika Local Government Area (LGA).
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All three were apprehended on 28 May 2026 following intelligence-driven work carried out under the operational directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A Adepoju.
The Command said efforts are continuing to track down a fourth suspect who remains at large.
In a statement, the Rivers State Police Command urged members of the public to exercise caution when accepting transport or business arrangements with unfamiliar persons, particularly for long-distance or late-night trips.
Commercial drivers were advised to inform family members or trusted associates of their intended routes and expected return times.
Residents were also encouraged to report any suspicious activity promptly to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency contact lines.
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and said it will ensure that those responsible for violent crime are brought to justice.
Police said:
"The Command reassures the good people of Rivers State of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven within the State.
"EMERGENCY CONTACTS
"Complaint Response Unit (CRU):
07057605209
07057605256
08120822987
07072323049
"Control Room:
08032003514
"ASP AGABE BLESSING KABORLO
Police Public Relations Officer
Rivers State Police Command."
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