Police arrest cult-related assault suspect, recover firearm, skull

Etim Ekpimah

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested seven suspects involved in a cult-related assault, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm and a human skull.

The arrests followed a report received on August 25, 2025, from a student of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, that he was ambushed and attacked with dangerous weapons along Ikot Osurua by members of a proscribed cult group known as the Ku Klux Klans Confraternity.

DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, said the victim, who had reportedly renounced his membership of the group, was left unconscious with severe injuries. The assailants also stole his Redmi 13C Android phone and ₦41,000 in cash.

She said, “Acting on the report, police gathered intelligence and launched an operation that led to the arrest of seven suspects: Douglas Ambe Esikhene; Stephen Asukwo Effiong; Saviour Dany Akpan; Emmanuel Friday Umoh; Augustine Uduak Okon; Mary Ating Asukwo, and Itohowo Christopher Uko.

“During a search of their hideout, Operatives recovered one locally made short gun, seven live cartridges, one fresh human skull, a bottle containing a substance suspected to be black oil, and a bottle of Guyanese oil, believed to be for ritualistic purposes.”

She added that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend other members of the gang and make more recoveries.

Further developments will be communicated to the public.