16th JULY, 2025
AKWA IBOM STATE POLICE COMMAND
PRESS RELEASE
ARREST OF CULT SUSPECTS, VEHICLE THIEF AND BURGLARY SUSPECT IN IBESIKPO AND UYO
Officers of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have continued to show strong presence in communities across the state as efforts to clamp down on criminal elements intensified.
On Sunday, July 14, 2025, at about 9:20pm, following credible intelligence from concerned residents, a discreet operation was carried out by the State Command in Ikot Ambon village, where two suspected cultists were arrested. The suspects are:
Goodwill Nyong Ekwere, male, 26 years, and
Obon Asukwo Udom, male, 33 years, both of Nung Ukana village.
Items recovered from the suspects at the scene include:
One locally made double barrel gun
Two live cartridges
A wrap of substance suspected to be Indian hemp
₦200 cash
During preliminary investigation, the suspects confessed to being members of a cult group known as Vikings. A manhunt has been launched to track down other members of the group still at large.
In a separate case, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at about 6:50am, one Solomon Anthony John, male, from Nsit Ubium LGA, was arrested by operatives in connection with the theft of a vehicle. The arrest followed a complaint that a Mercedes Benz truck with registration number UWN 84 XD was stolen. Through targeted investigation, the vehicle was recovered and impounded.
Also on the same day, at about 5:30am, the Command responded to a distress call at Itiam Bus Stop, along Oron Road in Uyo. The report indicated that a group of young men were seen moving a split-unit air conditioner suspected to be stolen. Upon arrival, the suspects fled. However, one of them, identified as Gift Orji Ogbuji, male, 24 years, was arrested after a hot chase. The following items were recovered:
One Samsung split-unit air-conditioner
One petrol dispensing machine suspected to have been stolen by the same gang
The arrested suspect is in custody while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members and recover more items possibly linked to the gang’s operations.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reassures the public of its readiness to respond promptly to any breach of peace and continues to urge citizens to report suspicious movements or persons around them.
Signed:
DSP Timfon John, LLB, Anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
Akwa Ibom State Police Command.
