The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully raided a shrine suspected to be a cultist hideout in Abak Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of five individuals believed to be involved in armed robbery, cultism, and rape. The operation followed a formal complaint lodged on June 26, 2025, by a victim who reported that armed assailants broke into his room at a guest house in Abak, robbed him, and raped his female companion.
Acting on directives from the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, detectives conducted a discreet investigation culminating in the raid on July 30, 2025, at about 11:10 PM. The suspects arrested include Richard Edet Udo, Hope Iniobong Anietie, Joseph Ibongidi, Christian Joseph Johnny, and Joseph Joseph.
During the raid, police recovered disturbing items from the shrine, including two coffins filled with women’s sanitary pads, several pictures of victims and prospective victims, charms, and other fetish objects. These recovered items indicate the use of occult methods believed to be linked to the gang’s criminal activities.
The police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing to apprehend additional members of the gang and that every effort will be made to bring all suspects to justice. This operation underscores the police’s commitment to eradicating cult-related crimes, armed robbery, and sexual violence in the region.
This case highlights the intersection of violent crime with ritual practices, a concern that law enforcement in the state is aggressively addressing.
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