By IKPAT UduakAbasi

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command is holding Mr. Idara Martins Okure, Supervisor for Internal Security in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, over allegations of stealing two high-end mobile phones from a customer inside a Zenith Bank branch on Oron Road, Uyo.

The suspect has reportedly confessed to the crime, ending a digital manhunt that led investigators from a banking hall to a buyer, and finally to the LG official himself.

The incident occurred recently inside the Zenith Bank branch along Oron Road.

According to information gathered, the victim, a bank customer, was asked by bank officials to step outside briefly to repark his vehicle. Convinced the banking hall was safe, he left his seat with two phones unattended: a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and a Tecno Camon 30S.

When he returned minutes later, both devices were missing. Patrons recalled that the man who had been seated beside him, later identified as Mr. Idara Martins Okure, was no longer at his seat and had left the premises.

In a swift response, Zenith Bank management reportedly ordered an immediate lockdown of the premises, suspecting the culprit was still inside the building.

A search proved futile. It was later confirmed that the alleged suspect had already exited before the lockdown was fully effected.

The victim reported the theft to the police, who launched a digital tracking operation. Investigators traced one of the stolen phones to a new user.

That trail led to Mr. Ubong Udofot, who allegedly bought the Tecno Camon 30S for ₦100,000 from Mr. Martins. Police say Udofot later gave the phone to his son as a gift.

Operatives tracked the device to the son and effected his arrest. During interrogation, the young man told investigators that the phone was a gift from his father.

Police then invited Mr. Udofot. He was arrested and allegedly admitted that he purchased the phone from Mr. Idara Martins, the Nsit Ibom Internal Security Supervisor. He also reportedly assisted investigators in locating Martins.

According to report, Mr. Idara Martins Okure, the Supervisor for Internal Security, was subsequently apprehended. Police sources confirmed that he admitted to stealing the two phones from the customer’s seat at the bank.

He is currently in police custody as investigators conclude their inquiries. Both phones are said to be part of the ongoing investigation, with authorities expected to decide on charges and legal steps next.

The development has triggered widespread condemnation in Akwa Ibom, given the sensitive nature of the suspect’s office.

As Supervisor for Internal Security, Mr. Martins is charged with maintaining law, order, and safety within Nsit Ibom LGA. For an occupant of that role to be implicated in theft inside a bank has raised serious questions about vetting, accountability, and public trust.

“This is troubling,” a Uyo resident said. “If those we put in charge of internal security are the ones violating the law, then citizens are not safe. Justice must prevail, and it must be seen to prevail.”

The police are expected to complete investigations and arraign the suspect before a competent court. The Nsit Ibom Local Government Council may also initiate internal administrative action in line with public service rules.

As of press time, Zenith Bank and Nsit Ibom Local Government Council had not issued an official statement on the matter.