Police arrest 10 suspected cultists, recover gun, cannabis seeds

The police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested 10 suspected cultists and recovered a locally made pistol, machete, charms, suspected cannabis sativa seeds and cult regalia.

Five suspects were arrested on 4 August at Akpautong Village, Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, following credible intelligence and an investigation into cult-related activities, the police spokeswoman in the state, Timfon John, said in a statement sent to this newspaper on Saturday.

Ms John, a deputy superintendent of police, identified the suspects as Benjamin James, Moses Asuquo, Isaac Jimmy, Akaniyene Ekpo and Aniekan Samuel, all residents of the community.

Police said a search during the operation led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, charms, a machete, a Point-of-Sale machine, suspected cannabis sativa seeds and N400,000.

Five arrested after alleged cult gathering

In a separate operation, police arrested five other suspects after responding to a distress call about an alleged cult gathering at a guest house on 31 July.

Ms John identified the arrested suspects as Destiny Moses, 20; Boniface Clement, 23; Raphael Offiong, 27; Victor Obot, 27; and Sunday Victor, 23.

She said the group allegedly shot sporadically into the air, causing panic in the area.

A red Mercedes-Benz C300 with visible bullet damage, a jack knife wrapped with a red ribbon, two face caps bearing insignia of a proscribed cult group and three empty bottles of alcoholic beverages were recovered, the police said.

Preliminary investigation, according to the police, indicates that the suspects belong to the proscribed Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as De Norsemen Klan.

The police in Akwa Ibom have made several cult-related arrests recently.

In July, police arrested three suspected members of the Vikings Confraternity during a raid on an alleged cult hideout off Abak Road, Uyo, recovering substances suspected to be methamphetamine and cannabis.

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Police said the suspects admitted membership of the group, while one was allegedly forcibly initiated during a ceremony at the location.

In June, three suspects were detained over alleged armed robbery and cultism. Police had said officers recovered locally made pistols, a live cartridge and a machete during separate operations in Abak and Etinan. Two suspects allegedly admitted belonging to a four-member armed robbery gang.

In May, police also announced the arrest of two suspected cultists in Ikot Ekpene, recovering a locally made shotgun, two live cartridges and a suspected protective charm. One suspect allegedly confessed membership of the proscribed Ku Klux Klans Confraternity.

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