By Abasi Ita
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested seven suspects and recovered firearms and other incriminating items during a raid on a criminal hideout disguised as a church in Ndiya Mfio village, Ikono Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, April 8, 2026, followed credible intelligence indicating that suspected criminals were operating under the cover of a religious facility known as “All Power Belongs to God.”
Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, said the intelligence driven operation led to the arrest of seven suspects, including one identified as “Preacher” Brain Ebeka.
Other suspects apprehended include Kenneth Eziekiel, Dickson Ndueo, Abang Rowland, as well as three female suspects identified as Esther Elijah Okon and Joy Elijah Okon.
A search of the premises, according to the police, led to the recovery of two locally made double barrel guns, five expended cartridges, four motorcycles, three large generators and ten mobile phones.
Additional items recovered include a police crest, four jungle boots, a peak cap, a saw blade, a spanner, several vehicle plate numbers, five machetes, a special forces vest, bottles of suspected spiritual oil and an enlarged photograph linked to ongoing investigations.
Preliminary findings indicate that the facility was being used as a front for criminal operations, raising concerns over the misuse of religious platforms for unlawful activities.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, has ordered a full scale investigation and directed efforts toward apprehending a principal suspect who is currently at large.
The command warned that there would be no hiding place for criminal elements, urging residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information as efforts intensify to rid the state of crime.