Police Raid Shrine in Akwa Ibom, Arrest 5 Suspects in Rape Case

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully raided a criminal hideout suspected to be a shrine in Abak Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of five individuals allegedly involved in armed robbery, cultism, and rape.

During the operation, police operatives recovered disturbing items including two coffins filled with women's sanitary pads, pictures of people, and various fetish items, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John.

The raid was prompted by a formal complaint lodged on June 26, 2025, by a man who reported that armed individuals broke into his room at a guest house in Abak, robbing him of his belongings and raping his female guest.

Following the report, Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. On July 30, 2025, at approximately 11:10 PM, detectives conducted the raid after discreet investigations and intelligence gathering.

The five suspects arrested during the operation were identified as Richard Edet Udo, Hope Unibong Anitie, Joseph Ibongidi, Christian Joseph Johnny, and Joseph Joseph.

"Acting on a firm directive from the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, operatives of the Command initiated an investigation. On July 30, 2025, at approximately 11:10 PM, detectives raided the criminals' hideout. Operatives recovered disturbing items from what appeared to be a shrine, including two coffins filled with women's sanitary pads, pictures of people, and other fetish items," the statement partly read.

The Command has confirmed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang who are currently at large.

This operation comes amid increasing efforts by the Akwa Ibom Police Command to combat criminal activities in the state, particularly those involving ritual elements and violence against women.

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