UYO (BN24) — Police in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, have arrested five suspects in connection with an armed robbery and rape investigation, following a dramatic raid on a suspected shrine in the Abak area. The operation, which took place late on July 30, 2025, led to the recovery of two coffins reportedly filled with women’s sanitary pads, photographs, and various fetish items believed to be linked to criminal activity.
The arrests were announced by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command through its spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, in a statement issued Tuesday, August 5. According to the statement, the raid was carried out at around 11:10 p.m., acting on intelligence gathered during a discreet investigation into a violent home invasion that occurred in June.
The incident under investigation was formally reported to police on June 26, 2025. The complaint detailed how armed individuals allegedly attacked a man at a guest house in Abak, robbing him and raping his female guest. In response, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, ordered a covert operation to track down the suspects.
The suspects arrested during the shrine raid were identified as Richard Edet Udo, Hope Unibong Anitie, Joseph Ibongidi, Christian Joseph Johnny, and Joseph Joseph. They were taken into custody after police stormed the location believed to be their hideout.
“Acting on a firm directive from the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, operatives of the Command initiated an investigation,” DSP Timfon John said. “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.”
Authorities believe the recovered items may have been used for ritual or occult purposes. Investigations are ongoing as police work to apprehend additional suspects believed to be part of the gang.
The Akwa Ibom Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and justice, vowing that the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on those found guilty. The raid has sparked public interest, particularly due to the unusual items found at the scene, and has drawn renewed attention to ritual-related criminal activity in the region.
As of now, the five suspects remain in custody while detectives continue to pursue leads on the remaining members of the group.
