Police raid suspected cult shrine, arrest 5 over robbery, rape case

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has uncovered a suspected cultists’ shrine in Abak Local Government Area, arresting five individuals linked to a violent robbery and rape incident.

The operation also led to the recovery of various fetish items believed to be used for criminal activities.

According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the raid was launched after a hotel owner filed a formal complaint. The victim alleged that a group of armed men invaded his residence, robbed him, and sexually assaulted several female guests at his hotel.

Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, police operatives launched a discreet investigation that led to the arrest of five suspects: Richard Edet Udo, Hope Unibong Anitie, Josep Ibongidi, Christian Joseph Johnny, and Joseph Joseph. Several other suspects reportedly fled during the operation.

According to the police, disturbing items were recovered from what appeared to be a cult shrine.

These included two coffins, cult insignias, an old palm wine keg, women’s sanitary pads, photographs of individuals, and other fetish objects.

The statement read in part: “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested five suspected cultists and armed robbers believed to be responsible for a recent home invasion, armed robbery, and rape incident.”

“The suspects were apprehended following a discreet investigation launched after a formal complaint was lodged with the Command.”

It added that the incident occurred on June 26, 2025, when a man (name withheld) reported that a group of armed men broke into his room at a guest house in Abak, robbed him of his belongings, and raped a female guest.

DSP John noted that investigations are still ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang. “The Command is continuing its investigation to arrest other members of the gang,” she said.