Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have stormed a suspected criminal den operating under the guise of a church in Ndiya Mfia village, Ikono Local Government Area of the state, arresting seven persons and recovering firearms.
The facility, reportedly named “All Power Belong to Me, Solomon of our Generation,” was alleged to have been used as a cover for unlawful activities before it was raided by the police.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Uyo on Wednesday, noting that the operation followed credible intelligence.
According to her, the suspects apprehended during the raid include a self-acclaimed preacher, Brian Ebeka, alongside Kenneth Ezekiel, Dickson Ndueso, Abang Rowland, Esther Elijah Okon and Joy Elijah Okon.
She explained that the police team carried out the operation in the early hours of Tuesday, around 6am, after receiving information that suspected criminals were using the premises as a hideout.
Items recovered from the scene include two locally fabricated double-barrel guns and five expended cartridges, as well as four motorcycles and three large generators.
Other exhibits found at the location were 10 mobile phones, a police crest, four jungle boots, a peak cap, a saw blade and a spanner.
The police also recovered several number plates, five machetes, a special forces vest, bottles believed to contain spiritual substances, and a large photograph said to be relevant to ongoing investigations.
John stated that preliminary findings indicate the building was being used to shield criminal operations, raising concerns about the abuse of religious platforms for illegal purposes.
She warned that the command would not tolerate such acts, stressing that individuals using any disguise to perpetrate crimes would be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law.
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