Murder for a Ride: Rivers Police Arrest Three Suspects After Driver Lured to Death, Buried in Shallow Grave

Murder for a Ride: Rivers Police Arrest Three Suspects After Driver Lured to Death, Buried in Shallow Grave

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The Rivers State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation of the gruesome murder of a commercial bus driver who was allegedly lured to his death by passengers posing as traditional marriage guests.

Police authorities confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the killing of 55-year-old Christopher Emmanuel Akpabio, whose disappearance sparked concern among family members, colleagues and residents.

According to the Command, the suspects allegedly hired the unsuspecting driver at the popular Garrison Junction in Port Harcourt before carrying out a carefully planned attack that ended in his brutal murder and the theft of his vehicle.

The victim, a native of Akwa Ibom State, was reportedly approached by the suspects on May 22, 2026. They allegedly informed him that they needed transportation to Asarama Community in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State for a traditional marriage ceremony.

Believing he was simply carrying out a legitimate transport service, Akpabio agreed to take them on the journey.

However, investigators revealed that the suspects had a far more sinister agenda.

While travelling to the community, the men allegedly attacked the driver, murdered him and secretly buried his body in a shallow grave. After killing him, they reportedly made away with his black Daihatsu Hijet minibus bearing registration number BGM 328 DA.

The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Blessing Agabe, disclosed that the report of Akpabio's disappearance immediately triggered an intelligence-driven operation by the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit.

Acting on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, operatives commenced a painstaking investigation aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the driver's disappearance.

Their efforts eventually led investigators to a horrifying discovery.

Police operatives traced the suspects' movements and uncovered the burial site where the victim's remains had been concealed in Asarama Community.

According to the police, the incident was reported on May 22, 2026, following the disappearance of Christopher Emmanuel Akpabio. Further investigation later led to the shocking discovery of his remains buried in a shallow grave in Asarama Community, Andoni Local Government Area.

Following sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated operations, police arrested three suspects identified as David Mark, 30, from Andoni Local Government Area; Nkajit Williams, 45, also from Andoni Local Government Area; and Godgift John, 33, from Okrika Local Government Area.

The arrests were made on May 28, 2026, just days after the crime was reported.

Police also successfully recovered the stolen Daihatsu Hijet minibus belonging to the deceased.

The remains of Akpabio have since been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital mortuary for preservation and further forensic examination.

Authorities disclosed that investigations are still ongoing and that efforts have been intensified to apprehend a fourth suspect who remains at large.

The Police Command expressed confidence that all individuals connected to the crime would be brought to justice.

Following the disturbing incident, the Rivers State Police Command urged commercial drivers and members of the public to exercise greater caution when dealing with unfamiliar individuals.

The Command advised drivers to always inform family members, colleagues or trusted associates about their destinations and passengers, particularly when embarking on long-distance or late-night trips.

Residents were also encouraged to report suspicious persons, unusual movements and criminal activities to nearby police stations or through the Command's emergency channels.

The Rivers State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, assuring residents that criminal elements would not be allowed to operate freely.

The latest breakthrough comes amid growing concerns over violent crimes targeting commercial drivers and transport operators in parts of the country.

The Rivers case follows another high-profile murder investigation recently recorded in Imo State, where police arrested three students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, over the alleged killing of 21-year-old undergraduate Chinedu Christogonus.

The Cyber Security student was reportedly beaten to death by members of the institution's Man O' War organisation over allegations that he stole ₦13,500.

The two incidents have reignited public discussions about rising violence, mob actions and the need for stronger security measures to protect citizens across Nigeria.