Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a 70-year-old man, Okon Akpan, alongside three others over alleged involvement in attempted murder and cult-related activities in Uruk Anam Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects — identified as John Samson (45), Emmanuel Asuquo (50), and Idorenyin Umoh (22) — were apprehended on March 20, 2026, at Ikot Asukpong Village following what police described as actionable intelligence.
In a statement issued on Friday in Uyo, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said the arrests were carried out after the police received and approved a petition alleging attempted murder, malicious damage, and cultism in the area.
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She said operatives acted swiftly on the intelligence, leading to what the command termed a “significant operational breakthrough” in its ongoing crackdown on violent crimes.
“Acting on credible intelligence, detectives successfully apprehended four suspects on March 20, 2026, at Ikot Asukpong Village in Uruk Anam Local Government Area,” the statement read.
The police also disclosed that weapons were recovered during the operation, including a locally fabricated pistol and two long guns, which authorities say further implicate the suspects in criminal activities.
The command noted that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected gang, while assuring residents that security agencies have put measures in place to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
“The situation in the area remains calm and under control. Proactive measures have been put in place to forestall any breach of peace,” the statement added.
Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to provide timely and credible information to support law enforcement efforts.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
