Police arrest 7 suspected cultists with human skull in Akwa Ibom

Monday, September 1, 2025 - The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested seven suspected cultists over cult-related attacks in Ikot Osura, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson of the command, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, September 1, 2025 said the suspects believed to be members of the proscribed ” Ku Klux Klans’ confraternity were arrested with a human skull.

John said the arrest followed a complaint received by a student of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osura on August, 25th 2025 that he was ambushed and attacked by members of the gang.

She said that the victim, who had renounced his membership of the terror group, was unconscious after the attack, adding that his Redmi 13C Android phone and N41,000 in cash were stolen from him 

“On August 28, 2025, operatives of the command arrested seven suspects in connection with a cult-related assault, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm and human skull,” the statement read. 

"The arrests followed a report received on August 25, 2025, from a student of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, that he was ambushed and attacked with dangerous weapons along Ikot Osurua by members of a proscribed cult group known as the Ku Klux Klans Confraternity

"The victim, who had reportedly renounced his membership of the group, was left unconscious with severe injuries. The assailants also stole his Redmi 13C Android phone and ₦41,000 in cash.

"Acting on the report, police gathered intelligence and launched an operation that led to the arrest of the seven suspects.”

She listed the suspects to include Douglas Ambe Esikhene, Stephen Asukwo Effiong, and Saviour Dany Akpan.

Others include Emmanuel Friday Umoh, Augustine Uduak Okon, Mary Ating Asukwo and Itohowo Christopher Uko.

The PPRO said during a search of their hideout, one locally made short gun, seven live cartridges, one fresh human skull, a bottle containing a substance suspected to be black oil, and a bottle of Guyanese oil, believed to be for ritualistic purposes, were recovered.

She disclosed further that the command had commenced an investigation into the incident, adding that efforts have also been intensified to apprehend other members of the gang and make more recoveries.