Police Arrest Four Suspected Cultists and a Vandal in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of the Vikings Confraternity and a security guard. They are accused of vandalising and stealing electrical cables in different operations across the state.

Timfon John, the state Police Public Relations Officer, announced this in a statement on Monday. She said these arrests are part of the police's ongoing fight against cultism, drug abuse, and vandalism of important infrastructure.

The three suspected cultists were caught during a raid on a building off Abak Road in Uyo. This place was known as a hideout for cult activities and illegal drug use.

The suspects are Dick Udofia, Emem Charles, and Ubong Matthew.

John mentioned that police recovered substances believed to be methamphetamine, also known as ice, cannabis, commonly called Indian hemp, and other items linked to drug use.

She said, "In a coordinated operation led by our officers, we arrested three suspected members of the notorious Vikings Confraternity. This followed a raid on a building off Abak Road, Uyo, which was known for cult-related activities and drug abuse.

The suspects, Dick Udofia, Emem Charles, and Ubong Matthew, were caught. During the raid, we recovered substances believed to be ice (Methamphetamine), cannabis commonly known as Indian hemp, and other items related to drug use."

The police spokesperson added that preliminary investigations showed that the suspects admitted to being members of the Vikings Confraternity. She also said that investigators found out that one suspect, Ubong Matthew, was allegedly forced into the cult group on July 5. This initiation was reportedly led by Dick Udofia at the same location.

"The suspects, who are students at a certain polytechnic, are currently helping the police with useful information. We are still trying to catch the suspects who escaped," she added.

In another operation, she stated that police arrested a 32-year-old security guard named Joshua Akpan. He is accused of vandalising and stealing armoured electrical cables.

According to the PPRO, the suspect was linked to a group that steals electrical cables and other installations from churches, homes, factories, and government buildings.

John said that a search of Joshua's home, done with a valid search warrant, led to the recovery of cut armoured cables, bundles of stolen electrical wires, pliers, an iron-cutting blade, a hammer, and other tools believed to have been used in the crimes.

"During questioning, the suspect confessed to vandalising and stealing electrical cables from a Catholic cathedral where he worked as a security guard.

We are still investigating to catch more members of the criminal group who are still on the run and to recover more stolen items," she said.

She added that the state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, praised the officers for their professionalism, alertness, and quick actions.

He stressed the police's commitment to breaking down criminal networks, fighting cultism and drug-related crimes, and protecting public infrastructure in the state.

He urged residents to stay alert and work with the police by sharing timely and trustworthy information. He assured them that every useful tip would be treated with the highest confidentiality.