Three Suspects Arrested for Rivers Driver's Murder

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspects linked to the murder of a 55-year-old bus driver named Christopher Akpabio in Asarama community, Andoni Local Government Area.

The police made the arrests after receiving a report about the driver's disappearance. This led to an investigation by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit.

Blessing Agabe, the police spokesperson, shared this information in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Thursday evening.

Agabe, who is an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said the suspects hired Akpabio from Garrison, a well-known junction in Port Harcourt. They asked him to take them to a traditional marriage in Rivers community, but they had a hidden agenda.

While heading to Asarama community, the suspects attacked the driver, killed him, buried him in a shallow grave nearby, and stole his mini-bus.

The statement said, “Following the proactive crime-fighting strategies of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, aimed at combating violent crimes and strengthening public safety across the State, in line with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the Command has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation of a case involving alleged murder and robbery, leading to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of a stolen vehicle.

“The incident was reported on 22nd May 2026 after Christopher Emmanuel Akpabio, 55, from Akwa Ibom State, went missing.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects hired the deceased at Garrison Park, Port Harcourt, under the pretense of needing a ride to Asarama Community for a traditional marriage ceremony. They had a sinister plan to kill him and steal his vehicle, a black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA.”

The statement continued, “Further investigation later led to the shocking discovery of the victim’s remains buried in a shallow grave at Asarama community in Andoni Local Government Area in Rivers state.”

The police identified the suspects as David Mark, 30, and Nkajit Williams, 45, both from Andoni LGA, and Godgift John, 33, from Okrika LGA, all in Rivers State.

Following the orders from the Commissioner of Police, the Violent Crime Response Unit in Diobu launched a thorough investigation. This led to the arrest of the three suspects on 28th May 2026.

During the operation, the stolen black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA was recovered. The victim's remains were taken to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital mortuary for preservation and examination.

The investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being made to catch the fourth suspect who is still on the run.

The police command urged the public to be cautious and watchful when entering transportation or business arrangements with people they do not know, especially for long trips or at night.

“Commercial drivers are advised to inform family members, colleagues, or trusted associates before starting such journeys. Residents should report any suspicious people or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines for swift action,” the statement added.

The Command reassured the people of Rivers State that it remains committed to protecting lives and property, ensuring that criminals have no safe space in the state.