Police raid church hideout in Akwa Ibom, arrest seven suspects

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested seven suspects following a raid on a hideout disguised as a church in Ndiya Mfia village, Ikono Local Government Area.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, announced the arrests in a statement issued in Uyo on Wednesday. She said the operation, which took place at about 6:00 a.m., was based on credible intelligence.

Items recovered from the suspects include two locally made double-barrel guns, five expended cartridges, four motorcycles, three large generators, ten mobile phones, and a police crest.

The suspects were named as Preacher Brain Ebeka, Kenneth Ezekiel, Dickson Ndueso, Abang Rowland, Esther Elijah Okon, Joy Elijah Okon, and another Esther Elijah Okon. The last three are females.

According to the police statement, the location was being used as a cover for criminal operations, raising concerns about the misuse of religious premises for unlawful activities.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, has ordered a full investigation and directed that efforts be intensified to track down the principal suspect, who remains at large.

The command warned that any attempt to disguise criminal activities under any cover, religious or otherwise, would be met with the full weight of the law. It also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to help safeguard lives and property.