Two officers of Akwa Ibom Police Command dismissed for their involvement in secret cultism acitivities are to be prosecuted along with the suspected cultists, Commissioner Mr. Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi has said.
Ogunjemilusi who told Mr. Onofiok Luke, Akwa Ibom House of Assembly Speaker Saturday in Uyo that the act led to insecurity did not mention the names of the officers.
He urged the assembly to review the anti-cultism law to make provision for stiffer penalties for those engaging in cultism.
Ogunjemilusi said the command would not condone cultism, no matter who was involved, and enjoined the legislature to assist the police in tackling crimes.
The police boss warned those using vehicles without number plates or those covering them to desist, “as we will clamp down on them.”
He appealed to lawmakers and government officials to cooperate with the police.
Ogunjemilusi demanded the building of three newly-approved area command headquarters in Eket, Etim Ekpo and Itu/Ibiono Ibom local government areas and provision of patrol vehicles, gun boats, communication gadgets and equipment.
Onofiok hailed the police commissioner for his quick response to security issues and community policing.
He condemned rise in cultism, saying anyone caught, no matter how highly placed, should be prosecuted.
In a related development, 39 robbery suspects, child traffickers and secret cultists have been apprehended by Akwa Ibom StatePolice Command.
Of the number, 18 suspects within the age bracket of 18 and 35 were said to be members of a cult group “Klan Kulus Klub” (K.K.K).
Police in a statement signed by DSP Odiko Macdon, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, said the culprits were arrested at a popular hotel in Uyo, the state capital (name withheld) while in a meeting.
Macdon explained that the arrest was made possible through a tip-off and a text message received on the phone of one of the suspects in under-going investigation in the police custody.
He said on the receipt of the information, operatives from the Command swung into action and cordoned the premises of the said hotel and arrested all the suspects who were indigenes of the state.
The 18 suspected cultists arrested, he said, had since confessed being members of the K.K.K. indicating that one locally made revolver pistol was recovered from them.
