Police Nab Suspected Cult Leader, Recover Stolen Hilux Van

Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a suspected cult leader in its ongoing crackdown oncriminals.

The police command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this to journalists at Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, the state capital,

John said the suspect was seized with arms during a stop and search operation in the metropolis, while proceeding to a location where initiation rituals for new adherents were to be conducted.

“At about 23:30 hours, operatives of the command while conducting stop and search on Abak Road by the Federal Secretariat, Uyo, arrested one Emmanuel Emmanson, 21, of Mkpat Enin local government area, and recovered three live cartridges from him.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity, and stated that the cartridges were intended for a cult initiation exercise in a bush,” she stated.

Also, in a separate operation same day; August 7, 2026, DSP John, recalled that “at about 15:00 hrs, operatives of the Command, while on routine patrol, sighted two men in possession of a Toyota Hilux with black bonnet with registration number NYA 399 AA, earlier reported stolen on 6 August 2026, at Udo Eduok Street, off Aka Road, Uyo.”

According to her, the suspects fled and were pursued to a non-motorable road, where they abandoned the vehicle and escaped into the bush.

The owner, one Mr. Reginald, she added, was contacted and subsequently identified the recovered vehicle as his property.

“The vehicle has been recovered and is currently undergoing investigation while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” she assured.

The delighted Commissioner of Police (CP), Baba Azare, according to DSP John, has commended the operatives “for their vigilance and professionalism,” and assured members of the public that the Command would sustain intelligence-led operations and other proactive policing strategies to protect lives and property.