Police Uncover Criminal Hideout Disguised as Church in Akwa Ibom, Arrest Seven Suspects
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has executed a decisive operation, exposing and raiding a criminal hideout that was cleverly disguised as a church. This intelligence-driven crackdown led to the arrest of seven individuals, comprising four men and three women, during the early morning raid conducted on April 8, 2026.
Intelligence-Led Operation and Arrest Details
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the operation was initiated based on credible intelligence indicating that suspected criminals were using a compound masquerading as a church as their base. The police swiftly mobilized and carried out a targeted raid at approximately 0600 hours.
The seven suspects apprehended during the operation have been identified as:
- Preacher Brain Ebeka (Male)
- Kenneth Eziekiel (Male)
- Dickson Ndueso (Male)
- Abang Rowland (Male)
- Esther Elijah Okon (Female)
- Joy Elijah Okon (Female)
- Esther Elijah Okon (Female)
Recovery of Exhibits and Preliminary Findings
A thorough search of the premises yielded a significant cache of items, raising serious concerns about the misuse of religious fronts for unlawful activities. The recovered exhibits include:
- Two locally made double-barrel guns
- Five expended cartridges
- Four motorcycles
- Three large generators
- Ten mobile phones
- One police crest
- Four jungle boots
- One peak cap
- One saw blade and one spanner
- Several plate numbers
- Five machetes
- One special forces vest
- Bottles of suspected spiritual oil
- One enlarged photograph linked to ongoing investigation
Preliminary investigations have confirmed that the location was indeed being used as a cover for criminal operations, highlighting a disturbing trend of exploiting religious institutions for illicit purposes.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
The Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has directed a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Efforts are being intensified to apprehend the principal suspect who remains at large.
The police statement emphasized: "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."
Warning to Criminal Elements and Public Appeal
The Command issued a stern warning to all criminal elements operating within Akwa Ibom State, declaring that there will be no hiding place for those engaging in unlawful activities. Any attempt to disguise criminal operations under religious or other covers will be met with the full force of the law.
Members of the public have been advised to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, demonstrating its resolve through this successful operation.
