Police Raid Fake Church, Arrest 7 Suspects, Recover Arms

Undercover operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have stormed a criminal hideout disguised as a church to hoodwink and rob unwary victims at gunpoint.

During the raid of the fake worship centre, seven suspects were seized at Ndiya Mfia village in Ikono local government area, with some firearms recovered while combing the premises.

The police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this on behalf of her boss, commissioner of police (CP) Mohammed Azare, said the intelligence-led operation followed a credible tip-off supplied by concerned members of the civil society.

She said, “Operatives arrested seven suspects and recovered firearms and other incriminating items during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout disguised as a Church located at Ndiya Mfia village in Ikono LGA.

“The operation carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, April 8, 2026, followed credible intelligence indicating that suspected criminals were operating from a location under the cover of a religious facility called All Power Belongs to God Church (APBGC).

“The intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of seven suspects, including one identified as “Preacher” Brian Ebeka.

“Other suspects arrested include Kenneth Eziekiel, Dickson Ndueo, Abang Rowland, and three female suspects identified as Esther Elijah Okon and Joy Elijah Okon.

“Thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of several items, including two locally made double-barrel guns, five expended cartridges, four motorcycles, three large generators, and ten mobile phones.

Other items recovered include a Police crest, four jungle boots, a peak cap, a saw blade, a spanner, several vehicle plate numbers, five machetes, a special forces vest, bottles of suspected spiritual oil, and an enlarged photograph linked to ongoing investigations.

“Preliminary findings suggest that the facility was being used as a front for criminal operations, raising concerns over the misuse of religious platforms for unlawful activities.

“The Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, has ordered a comprehensive investigation and directed efforts toward apprehending a principal suspect who is currently at large.

“The Command warned that there would be no hiding place for criminal elements, stressing that any attempt to conceal illegal activities under any guise would be met with the full weight of the law,” she stressed and urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information.