Police Raid Criminal Hideouts, Nab Cult Kingpin, Vandals In Akwa Ibom

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Command have arrested four suspects, including a notorious cult leader, in the ongoing crackdown on criminal elements suspected of engaging in armed robbery, kidnapping, vandalisation of private and public assets and other violent crimes.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this on Friday at the command’s headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, near Uyo, the state capital, said that the operations were carried out in Uyo and Ikono local government areas.

“At approximately 05:17 hours, operatives of the command successfully raided a criminal hideout in Itak village in Ikono LGA.

“Credible intelligence led to the arrest of one Emmanuel Anthony, a 26-year-old, who is suspected to be a member of a cult group,” she said.

Incriminating items recovered from the suspect, according to DSP John, included one locally fabricated pistol, Ekpo masquerade mask and a bag containing items suspected to be charms.

The  anti-crime operatives, she added, also arrested three other suspects linked to persistent vandalism and theft of properties belonging to the Akwa Ibom State Water Company (AISWC), recalling that the arrests, which took place between August 18 and 21, “followed a thorough investigation based on credible intelligence.

“Operatives responded to a tip regarding the theft of armoured cables from the Water Company on Brooks Street in Uyo. The police team quickly mobilised, leading to the arrest of two suspects at the scene: Itoro Moses David and Patrick Effiom.

“Following their arrest, the suspects confessed to the crime and provided information that led to the subsequent arrest of a third accomplice identified as Edidiong Edet, believed to be a notorious member of the criminal gang.

“The stolen armoured cables have been recovered. The Police are continuing their investigations and efforts are currently underway to arrest more individuals involved in the syndicate.

She assured that the suspects would be arraigned in court as soon as the investigations are concluded.

She called for more intelligence collaboration with good-spirited members of civil society to rid the state of crime.