Notorious cult leader arrested in Akwa Ibom

Saturday, August 30, 2025 - The Akwa Ibom State Command has arrested four suspects including a notorious cult leader and vandals. 

They were nabbed during an ongoing crackdown on suspected armed robbers, kidnappers and vandals of private as well as public assets in Akwa Ibom state. 

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Akwa Ibom Command, DSP Timfon John disclosed this on Friday, August 29, at the Command’s headquarters in Uyo, the State capital, saying 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 Emmanuel Anthony, a 26-year-old, who is suspected to be a member of a cult group,” John said. 

The PPRO listed incriminating items recovered from the suspects to include one locally fabricated pistol, an Ekpo masquerade mask, and a bag containing items suspected to be charms. 

She added that the anti-crime operatives of the Command also arrested three other suspects linked to persistent vandalism and theft of properties belonging to the Akwa Ibom State Water Company (AISWC).
DSP John said the arrests, which took place between August 18 and 21, 2025, “followed a thorough investigation based on credible intelligence.” 

“Operatives responded to a tip regarding the theft of armored 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,” she said. 

The Akwa Ibom police spokesperson named the arrested persons as Itoro Moses David and Patrick Effiom. 

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

DSP John added that the stolen armored cables have been recovered, stressing that Police have commenced investigations, as efforts were currently underway to arrest additional members of the syndicate.
She assured that the suspects will be arraigned in court as soon as the investigations were concluded.