The police in Rivers State have given a chilling account of how suspects allegedly hired a driver for a traditional marriage, killed, buried him in a forest and stole his vehicle.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Agabe Karbolo, said the incident was reported on May 22nd, 2026 and named the victim as Christopher Emmanuel Akpabio, who was 55 years old and hailed from Akwa Ibom State.

The police in their preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased was hired at Garrison Park, Port Harcourt, by the suspects.

They hired the victim to transport them to Asarama Community in Andoni Local Government Area for a traditional marriage ceremony.

But unknown to him, they had a sinister mission to murder him and dispossess him of his vehicle, a black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA.

The police Spokesperson said 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.

She named the arrested male suspects involved in the murder case as 30-year-old David Mark and 45-year-old Nkajit Williams both from Andoni Local Government Area as well as 33-year-old Godgift John from Okrika Local Government Area.

She said: “Acting on the operational directives of the Commissioner of Police, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Diobu, immediately launched a painstaking intelligence-driven investigation which culminated in 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 successfully recovered, while the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) mortuary for preservation and further examination”.

Karbolo said the operation was in line with the proactive crime-fighting strategies of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, aimed at combating violent crimes and strengthening public safety across the State,

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

“The Rivers State Police Command hereby urges members of the public to exercise caution when entering transportation or business arrangements with unfamiliar persons, especially for long-distance or late-night trips. Commercial drivers are strongly advised to always inform family members, colleagues, or trusted associates before embarking on such journeys.

“Residents are also encouraged to promptly report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency lines.

“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”. (The Nation News)