By Patrick Odey
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has arrested a suspected fake preacher and six others following a raid on a hideout disguised as a church in Ndiya Mfia village, Ikono Local Government Area of the state.
PUNCH Metro gathered from a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, that the suspects were arrested at about 0600 hours after operatives, acting on intelligence, stormed the location.
Items recovered include two locally made double-barrel guns, five expended cartridges, four motorcycles, three large generators, ten mobile phones, a police crest, and other items.
Those arrested include Brain Ebeka, identified as a preacher; Kenneth Ezekiel; Dickson Ndueso; and Abang Rowland, while the female suspects are Esther Elijah Okon, Joy Elijah Okon, and another Esther Elijah Okon.
The statement read, “In a decisive, intelligence-driven operation, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on criminal elements across the state, 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 0600 hours on April 8, 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-barrel gun, five expended cartridges, and other items.
“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, who is currently at large.
The command warned criminal elements in the state that there is 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 reiterating its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
