The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three men in connection with the murder of 55-year-old bus driver Christopher Emmanuel Akpabio. The suspects, identified as David Mark, 30, Nkajit Williams, 45, and Godgift John, 33, were apprehended on 28th May 2026 following an intelligence-led operation by the Violent Crime Response Unit. Akpabio was reported missing on 22nd May 2026 after being hired from Garrison Park in Port Harcourt to transport passengers to Asarama community in Andoni Local Government Area. Police said he was lured under the pretense of a traditional marriage ceremony, only to be attacked, killed, and buried in a shallow grave along the route.
The suspects also stole Akpabio's black Daihatsu Hijet minibus, registration number BGM 328 DA, which was recovered during the operation. The victim's remains were exhumed and moved to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital mortuary for preservation and further examination. Police spokesperson Blessing Agabe, speaking in her capacity as Assistant Superintendent of Police, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued Thursday evening in Port Harcourt. She attributed the breakthrough to the crime-fighting strategy of Rivers State Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju, in line with directives from Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu.
The police command said a fourth suspect remains at large and efforts are ongoing to apprehend him. Residents and commercial drivers are urged to remain cautious when engaging in long-distance or nighttime trips with unfamiliar persons. Drivers are advised to inform family or associates before embarking on such journeys. The public is encouraged to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via emergency lines. The Rivers State Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
Commissioner Olugbenga Adepoju touts a major breakthrough in a murder case where the victim's body was found in a shallow grave and his vehicle taken for over a week. The arrest came six days after the crime was reported, raising questions about the speed of initial response despite the command's claims of proactive policing. Commercial drivers like Christopher Akpabio remain exposed to fatal risks during routine jobs that start in busy areas like Garrison Park. The delay between disappearance and arrest suggests existing safety advisories may offer little real protection.
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