Council Suspends Security Chief Over Phone Theft Claims

The Nsit Ibom Local Government Council in Akwa Ibom State has suspended Idara Okure, its Supervisor for Internal Security. This follows claims that he stole two mobile phones from a customer in a bank in Uyo, the state capital.

The council made the announcement on Tuesday through its Secretary, Iyakndue Unaam. He said the suspension will last until the police finish their investigation.

This news came after social media claims suggested that Mr Okure was arrested by the police for allegedly stealing two phones inside a Zenith Bank branch on Oron Road in Uyo.

A newspaper publisher, UduakAbasi Ikpat, shared on Facebook that the incident happened when a customer left his seat briefly to repark his vehicle, following a request from bank staff. The customer left behind a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and a Tecno Camon 30S.

The customer noticed the phones were missing when he returned a few moments later.

The social media post claimed police tracked one of the phones to a buyer, who reportedly said he bought it from Mr Okure for N100,000. Investigators then said they traced and arrested the council official, who allegedly confessed to the theft.

PREMIUM TIMES could not confirm these claims independently.

As of now, the Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom has not confirmed the arrest or any confession.

PREMIUM TIMES tried to get a response from the police but had no luck. A request sent to Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, who is a deputy superintendent of police, went unanswered.

Council's Response

In the statement, the Nsit Ibom Local Government Council said it was aware of the situation involving Mr Okure and was working with law enforcement on the investigation.

"While the Council is cooperating fully with the relevant law enforcement authorities as they carry out their investigation into the matter, the Council hereby suspends Mr Idara Martin Okure as the Supervisor for Internal Security," the statement said.

The council stressed that as a law-abiding institution, it would respect the outcome of the investigation and the judgment of the appropriate authorities.

They also urged residents to stay calm and avoid sharing unverified information that could affect the ongoing investigation.

The council said it is committed to accountability, due process, and the rule of law. They assured the public that appropriate action will be taken based on the investigation's findings.

This case has drawn public interest because Mr Okure is in charge of internal security and public safety in the local government area.

If he is charged, the case will go to court, where the claims against him will be examined. Under Nigerian law, a suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty in a competent court.