Police Nab Wanted Cult Leader, Recover Human Skull, Firearms

A notorious cult leader on the wanted list of the Akwa Ibom State police command for a series of high profile kidnappings and killing of victims has been arrested by anti-kidnapping operatives in the State.

Disclosing this to journalists at the police headquarters in Uyo, the state capital, spokesperson of the command, DSP Timfon John, said the arrest came through intelligence reports from some residents of Mkpat Enin local government area.

She recalled that the cult kingpin identified as one Ubong Michael, popularly called “Ubong Boy”, who disappeared to neigbouring Port Harcourt, Rivers State was seized by operatives following information that he had returned to Ikot Aka village, in Mkpat Enin LGA.

According to her, some shocking finds including human remains – skull, bones, arms and other incriminating items were recovered.

She said, “The state police command, in its sustained onslaught against violent crimes and criminal syndicates across the state, has recorded a significant breakthrough with the arrest of a notorious kidnapper and cultist who had long been on the command’s wanted list.

“On April 22, 2026, at about 1700hrs, operatives of the command, acting on credible intelligence, swiftly mobilised to Ikot Aka village in Mkpat Enin LGA, where one Ubong Michael, also known as “Ubong Boy” (male, 30 years), was apprehended.

“The suspect, who had been in hiding in Port Harcourt, was arrested following intelligence indicating that he had secretly returned to the community.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a key figure in multiple kidnapping operations, including the abduction of one Gabriel, in 2023 and one John, in 2025.

“A search conducted upon his arrest led to the recovery of the following disturbing exhibits: One human skull (suspected to belong to a victim), one human bone, two live cartridges, and one dagger.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the crimes, and is currently assisting the police with vital information in aid of the ongoing efforts to recover additional weapons and apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

“The commissioner of police, Baba  Azare, commended the operatives for their swift, intelligence-driven response and reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to ridding the state of all form of violent crimes.”