Police Smoke Out Alleged Notorious Criminal From Hideout …. As Court Remands Suspect in Correctional Facility

 

The security component of the Arise Agenda of His Excellency, Governor  Umo Eno, is starting off on an encouraging note as an alleged notorious criminal, one Godwin Effiong Okon, male, who is purported to have been terrorising residents in Ikot Nsu, Ifa Atai communities in Uyo local government area, has been arrested by men of the Nigeria Police and subsequently arraigned before a  Court sitting in Uyo.

The respondent , it was gathered, was recently arrested by the Eagle Response Squad, a special anti-crime wing of the Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Police, following credible  intelligence. 

It was further learnt that, Godwin Effiong Okon who has confessed to the police of being a member of the Red Skin Confraternity had, before his eventual arrest, engaged the police in a gun duel along Nwaniba Road, Uyo.

In a case held on 2nd August, 2023 at the Chief Magistrate Court 12, Uyo, presided over by Sam Ukoima Esq, the court held that the applicant, being the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, made out a case for the remand of the respondent, having recourse to Section 293, subsection 2, of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Akwa Ibom State 2022.

This medium gathered that the court, consequently, granted the motion and ordered that the respondent be remanded for a period of 21 days at the facility of the Nigeria Correctional Centre located in Ikot Ekpene local government area of Akwa Ibom State, pending the outcome of legal advice/filling of information. 

The Court also ordered that the applicant's Counsel, Ofonmbuk Charlie, transfer the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice for legal advice and possible prosecution at the appropriate court. Consequently, the case was adjourned to the 23rd of August, 2023.

Speaking with some residents of Ikot Nzu, Ifa Atai community following the latest development, they said although the arrest of Godwin Effiong Okon apparently has brought temporary relief to the area, fears still abound because other members of his gang and cult group who may embark on revenge for their apprehended kingpin, thus calling on the police to step up vigilance as law abiding residents of the community  were always ready to support their effort with any useful information at their disposal.

They however expressed gratitude to the Governor for the renewed drive to security management in the state through the Arise Agenda as well as  security agencies for stepping up their game to rid the state of criminal elements.