RIVER: Police Arrest Three For Murder Of Commercial Driver, Recover Body From Shallow Grave

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Itode Akari

PORT HARCOURT – The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged murder of a commercial minibus driver, Christopher Emmanuel Akpabio, a 55-year-old indigene of Akwa Ibom State.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Blessing Agabe, disclosed in a statement issued on June 4, 2026, that the case was reported on May 22 following the disappearance of the driver.

Agabe disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that

Akpabio was hired at Garrison Motor Park in Port Harcourt by the suspects, who allegedly claimed they needed transportation to Asarama Community in Andoni Local Government Area for a traditional marriage ceremony.

ASP Agabe said the suspects allegedly used the trip as a cover for a plot to kill the driver and steal his vehicle, a black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA.

Agabe further stated that sustained investigations led operatives to Asarama Community, where the victim’s remains were discovered buried in a shallow grave, confirming fears that he had been murdered after being lured from Port Harcourt.

She identified the arrested suspects as David Mark, 30, a native of Andoni Local Government Area; Nkajit Williams, 45, also a native of Andoni Local Government Area; and Godgift John, 33, from Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Agabe explained that operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Diobu, following a lodged complaint of the missing driver, launched an intelligence-driven investigation that culminated in the arrest of the three suspects on May 28, 2026.

She stated that during the operation, the stolen black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA was successfully recovered and the exhumed remains of the deceased was deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) mortuary for preservation and further examination.

The Police spokesperson emphasized that while investigations are ongoing, efforts have been intensified to apprehend a fourth suspect who is currently at large.

She added, “Investigation is still ongoing, and concerted efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fourth suspect who is currently at large.”

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has urged members of the public to exercise caution when entering into transportation or business arrangements with unfamiliar persons, especially for long-distance or late-night trips.

The Command also advised commercial drivers to always inform family members, colleagues, or trusted associates before embarking on such journeys.