The Akwa Ibom Police Command has rounded up five suspected cultists and robbers believed to be responsible for a recent home invasion, robbery, and rape incident.
A press release signed by DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer ,Akwa Ibom State Police Command on Augsut 5, said ‘‘The suspects were apprehended following a discreet investigation launched after a formal complaint was lodged with the Command.
‘‘On June 26, 2025, a man (name withheld) reported that a group of armed individuals broke into his room at a Guest House (name withheld ) in Abak, robbing him of his belongings and raping his female guest.
Also read: Robbery suspects to appear in court- Akwa Ibom police Command
According to her, ‘‘Acting on a firm directive from the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, operatives of the Command initiated an investigation. On July 30, 2025, at approximately 11:10 PM, detectives raided the criminals’ hideout, leading to the arrest of the following individuals:
‘‘Richard Edet Udo, Hope Unibong Anitie, Joseph Ibongidi, Christian Joseph Johnny and Joseph Joseph.
‘‘During the raid, operatives recovered disturbing items from what appeared to be a shrine, including two coffins filled with women’s sanitary pads, pictures of people, and other fetish items.
‘‘The Command is continuing its investigation to arrest other members of the gang.’’
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced the successful neutralization of a suspected notorious kidnapper and the recovery of a firearm following an encounter with a criminal gang.
John, in a press release issued on August 4, said ‘‘Based on intelligence reports, the police had been closely monitoring a group of kidnappers who had returned to the Mkpat Enin local government area.
‘‘The gang, which had been terrorizing residents from 2020 to 2023, was also allegedly responsible for the kidnap of a church founder in 2023. The suspects had been at large since that incident.
‘‘On August 2, 2025, at approximately 4:00 PM, the police received a report that the suspects were at a hideout in Ikot Umiang village, planning further kidnappings. A surveillance team was immediately dispatched to the location. Upon the team’s arrival, the criminals engaged them by firing shots. Fortunately, no police personnel was injured in the exchange.
‘‘In a swift response, operatives neutralized one of the kidnappers, later identified as John Ubong Akpan, a 27-year-old male from Ikot Umiang village. The other gang members fled the scene. A locally made pistol, one live cartridge, and one expanded cartridge were recovered at the hideout.
‘‘Akpan, who sustained bullet injuries, was taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead by medical Doctor.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has directed intensified surveillance and patrols to apprehend the fleeing suspects,’’ she added.
