Seven suspects arrested as police crack down on criminal hideout disguised as church in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has cracked down on a criminal hideout operating as a church. 

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The spokesperson for the command, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this in a statement said seven suspects, four men and three women, were arrested during the raid carried out on April 8, 2026.

According to the PPRO, preliminary investigation revealed that the location was being used as a cover for criminal activities. 

“In a decisive, intelligence-driven operation, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on criminal elements across the State, in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police to decisively combat crime,” the statement read.

“Acting on credible intelligence indicating that suspected criminals were hibernating in a compound disguised as a church, the Command swiftly mobilized for a targeted operation. At about 0600hrs on 8th April 2026.

“The operation led to the arrest of seven (7) suspects, namely: PREACHER BRAIN EBEKA ‘M’, KENNETH EZIEKIEL ‘M’, DICKSON NDUESO ‘ M’, ABANG ROWLAND ‘M’, ESTHER ELIJAH OKON  ‘F’, JOY ELIJAH OKON  ‘F’ and ESTHER ELIJAH OKON ‘F’.

“A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of the following exhibits: two (2) locally made double-barrel guns, five (5) expended cartridges, four (4) motorcycles, three (3) large generators, ten (10) mobile phones, one police crest, four (4) jungle boots, one peak cap, one saw blade and one spanner, several plate numbers, five (5) machetes, one special forces vest, bottles of suspected spiritual oil, one enlarged photograph linked to ongoing investigation.

“Preliminary investigation suggests that the location was being used as a cover for criminal operations, raising serious concerns about the misuse of religious fronts for unlawful activities.

“The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has directed a comprehensive investigation into the matter and intensified efforts to apprehend the principal suspect currently at large.

“The Command wishes to issue a stern warning to all criminal elements in the State: there will be no hiding place. Any attempt to disguise criminal activities under any cover religious or otherwise will be met with the full weight of the law.

“Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police by providing timely and credible information. 

“The Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Akwa Ibom State.”