9 Suspected Cultists Arrested, Arms, Human Skull Recovered In Akwa Ibom

Anti-cult operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have intensified their crackdown on criminals and their dens in the state.

In the fresh onslaught against cultists and other criminals in the 31 local government areas in the state, the operatives have made more arrests, recovered arms and items used for ritual purposes.

In an interaction with journalists yesterday at the police command’s headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, near Uyo, the state capital, the spokesperson, DSP TImfon John, said the personnel, acting on intelligence, stormed the cultists’ armoury, recovered illegal firearms, and arrested two suspects.

The operatives, John said, moved to Ikot Obio Ekpong village in Mkpat Enin local government area, and raided a suspected cult hideout. The team recovered three locally-made pistols.

Two male suspects, Godwin Udo Sunday, 35, and Utibe Akpan, 32, who live in Ikot Obio Ekpong village, were apprehended.

She said, “Preliminary investigations are ongoing with the goal of arresting other suspects connected to this illegal armoury. The police command is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.”

Also, on August 28, 2025, John said the operatives arrested seven other accomplices in connection with a cult-related assault, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms and a human skull.

“The arrests followed a report received on August 25, 2025, from a student of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic (AkwaPoly) at Ikot Osurua, in Ikot Ekpene LGA, that he was ambushed and attacked with dangerous weapons along Ikot Osurua by members of a proscribed cult group known as the Ku Klux Klans (KKK) confraternity.

“The victim, who had reportedly renounced his membership of the group, was left unconscious with severe injuries. The assailants also stole his Redmi 13C Android phone and N41,000 in cash,” she said.

Acting on the report, DSP John said the police, after gathering intelligence, launched an operation that led to the arrest of seven suspects.

She listed the suspects as Douglas Ambe Esikhene, Stephen Asukwo Effiong, Saviour Dany Akpan, Emmanuel Friday Umoh, Augustine Uduak Okon, Mary Ating Asukwo (female) and Itohowo Christopher Uko.

During a search of their hideouts, some incriminating Items were recovered. They included one locally-made short gun, seven live cartridges, a fresh human skull, a bottle containing a substance suspected to be black oil, and a bottle of Guyanese oil, believed to be for ritualistic purposes.

“Investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend other members of the gang to make more recoveries, as well as prosecution and punishment as a deterrent,” the police spokesperson said.