Police Arrest 5 Suspected Ritualists In Akwa Ibom

The anti-cultism operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have stormed a shrine where they arrested five suspected ritual killers and recovered women’s menstrual pads stored in two coffins in Abak local government area of the state.

Other incriminating items recovered from the shrine included several pictures of their victims and prospective victims, charms and other fetish objects.

Disclosing this to Journalists on Tuesday at the State Command headquarters, Uyo, Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP TImfon John explained that the discovery followed a lead by one victim whose girlfriend was raped by the suspects during attack of his hotel.

“Our operatives have arrested five suspected cultists and armed robbers believed to be responsible for a recent homes invasion, armed robbery, and rape incident.

“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.

“Acting on a firm directive from the Commissioner of Police (CP), Baba 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 five suspects,” she recalled.

The Police Spokesperson named the arrested suspects as Richard Edet Udo, Hope Iniobong Anietie, Joseph Ibongidi, Christian Joseph Johnny and Joseph Joseph.

She added that two coffins filled with women’s sanitary pads, pictures of people, and other fetish items were recovered during the raid.

The PPRO stressed that the Command was continuing its investigation to arrest other members of the gang.

She assured that no stone would be left unturned in the process of fishing out, and bringing the suspects to justice.