Police raid A’Ibom criminal hideout disguised as church, arrest seven

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested seven suspects after cracking down on a hideout disguised as a church in Ndiya Mfia village, Ikono Local Government Area of the state

A statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Wednesday said the suspects were apprehended at about 0600hrs after operatives, acting on intelligence, swooped on them.

Items recovered include two locally made double-barrel guns, five expended cartridges, four motorcycles, three large generators, ten mobile phones, one police crest, and others.

The suspects include Preacher Brain Ebeka (male),  Kenneth Ezekiel (male), Dickson Ndueso (male), Abang Rowland (male), while others include Esther Elijah Okon, Joy Elijah Elijah Okon, and Esther Elijah Okon

are all females

The statement reads, “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 sate, in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police to decisively combat crime.

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

The operation led to the arrest of seven suspects, namely: Preacher Brain Ebeka, Kenneth Ezekiel, ⁠Dickson Ndueso, Abang Rowland, Esther Elijah Okon, and Joy Elijah Okon.

“A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of the following exhibits: a locally made double-barrelled gun, five expended cartridges, and others.

“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.”

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

The command has issued a warning to all criminal elements in the state that there’s no hiding place, adding that any attempt to disguise criminal activities under any cover, religious or otherwise, will be met with the full weight of the law.

It advised members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police by providing timely and credible information while also reiterating its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.