Two policemen from Akwa Ibom Police Command were among the 17 suspected cultists arraigned before Uyo High Court on a two-count charge of terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms.
The police officers were Sergeant Aniekan Etok attached to a member of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Corporal Utibe Anthony attached to Ibom International Airport.
Others are 400-level student of Banking and Finance, Ndikpongke-Abasi Udo; a 300-level student of Philosophy, Akpan UduakAbasi Moses; a 300-level student of Political Science and Public Administration from University of Uyo (UNIUYO); Sixtus Sylvanus Umanah, graduate of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Hilary Enobong Akpan as well as a 30-year-old father of two, Edidiong Asuquo John and NYSC member serving in Isiala Ngwa, Abia State and Itohowo Amos Ekpo.
They were arraigned before Justice Archibong Archibong on a two-count charge of terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms contrary to section 6 of Akwa Ibom State Internal Security and Enforcement Law, 2009 and Section 3 of Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act 2004.
In their extra-judicial statement, all the accused persons confessed of being members of a disbanded cult group, Klan Klub Klux (KKK) confraternity.
The Prosecution Counsel and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Uwemdimo Nwoko applied for seven days within which he will open and close his case.
Nwoko expressed concern over yhe involvement of students and law enforment officers in secret societies.
All accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge and applied for bail which will be determined during the next adjourned date on Thursday, May 3, 2018.
They have been remanded in prison custody.
Two weeks ago, Governor Udom Emmanuel banned 33 cult groups in Akwa Ibom State.
