Police Smash Kidnap Gang, Arrest Notorious Cult Leader With Arms, Others

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have busted a cult gang specialising in armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes in parts of the state.

The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this to journalists in Uyo, the state capital, explained that the arrest of the cult kingpin identified as one Gospel Bassey, followed credible intelligence from concerned members of the civil society.

According to Miss John, the suspect, 28, popularity known as ‘Akpago’ , hails from Iwochang village in Ibeno local government area, but resides at his hideout along Lutheran Road, where the police stormed and seized him.

Urging residents to work in synergy with the security agencies to rid the state of all forms of crimes and criminal elements, the police spokesperson warned of drastic consequences against culpable persons, as the commissioner of Police (CP) Baba Azare has zero tolerance for crimes of any sort.

She said: “The State Police Command in its effort to rid the Akwa Ibom of crimes has through  a professional and diligent raid,  successful apprehended a notorious cult suspect named one Gospel Bassey, also known as ‘Akpago’, a 28 – year – old man from Iwochang village in Ibeno LGA.

“The arrest occurred at the suspect’s hideout along Lutheran Road. During the operation, the operatives recovered a locally – made pistol , one live 8mm AK-47 ammunition, a red beret, substances suspected to be charms, and hard drugs.

“Preliminary interrogations indicate that the suspect is hardened; however, he admitted and confessed to being a member of the JVC cult group. Investigation is ongoing.”