The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the alleged mob killing of a 21-year-old man, Emmanuel Effiong, who was accused of stealing chickens and eggs from a poultry farm in Uyo Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects were apprehended following a police investigation launched after authorities received credible intelligence and a viral video showing the victim being brutally assaulted before his death.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, describing the arrests as a major breakthrough in the investigation into the gruesome incident.

According to the police, the investigation commenced on June 17, 2026, after officers received information accompanied by disturbing footage showing Emmanuel Effiong lying helpless in a pool of blood with his hands and legs tied while being dragged beside a white Mitsubishi pick-up van.

Further investigations revealed that the deceased had been accused of stealing chickens and eggs from a poultry farm located in Mbak 4 Community, Uyo Local Government Area.

Rather than handing him over to law enforcement authorities, he was allegedly subjected to a violent mob attack on April 19, 2026, during which he was beaten with sticks and machetes until he died.

Police identified the arrested suspects as David Okon (also known as Ita), 45; Joseph Gibson, 39; Essien Solomon, 23; and Imoh Asuquo, 28.

According to investigators, after the victim died from the assault, the suspects allegedly tied his hands and legs and dragged his body through the community to a junction, where it was abandoned for about two days.

The police further alleged that the suspects later transported the corpse on a wheelbarrow into a nearby forest and buried it in a shallow grave in an attempt to conceal the crime.

During interrogation, the four suspects reportedly confessed to their respective roles in the incident and subsequently led investigators to the burial site within the forest at Mbak 4 Community.

The victim’s remains were exhumed and deposited at the morgue, where an autopsy will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.

The police also recovered several exhibits believed to be connected to the crime, including the white Mitsubishi pick-up van allegedly used during the incident, the wheelbarrow used to transport the body, and the weapons suspected to have been used in carrying out the attack.

Condemning the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, described jungle justice as a serious criminal offence that has no place in a civilized society.

He stressed that no individual or group has the legal authority to assault, torture or take the life of another person based on suspicion or allegations of wrongdoing.

The Commissioner reminded members of the public that every suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction and urged citizens to hand over anyone suspected of committing an offence to the police or other appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution.

Azare also warned that the Command would continue to pursue everyone involved in mob violence, extrajudicial killings and related crimes, regardless of their social status or influence.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command to protecting lives, upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with the law.