Police Nab Notorious Cult Leader, Recover Stolen Hilux Van In A/Ibom

In the ongoing offensives to rid Akwa Ibom State of criminal elements behind kidnappings, armed robbery, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, operatiives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, have arrested a notorious cult leader.

The police spokesperson in the state, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this to Journalists at the State headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, said the suspect was seized with arns during a stop – search operation on 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 along 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.”

Account 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.

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