Police Raid Church Used as Criminal Hideout in Akwa Ibom, Arrest Seven

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has uncovered a criminal hideout disguised as a church in Ndiya Mfia village, Ikono Local Government Area of the state.

The facility, identified as All Power Belong to Me, Solomon of our Generation, was raided by police operatives, leading to the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of firearms and other incriminating items.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the suspects include Preacher Brian Ebeka, Kenneth Ezekiel, Dickson Ndueso, Abang Rowland, Esther Elijah Okon, and Joy Elijah Okon.

Items recovered during the operation include two locally made double-barrel guns, five expended cartridges, four motorcycles, three large generators, 10 mobile phones, and a police crest.

Other exhibits listed are four jungle boots, one peak cap, a saw blade, a spanner, several vehicle plate numbers, five machetes, a special forces vest, bottles of suspected spiritual oil, and an enlarged photograph linked to ongoing investigations.

The police said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that suspected criminals were operating from the location under the guise of a religious centre.

“Acting on credible intelligence indicating that suspected criminals were hibernating in a compound disguised as a church, the Command swiftly mobilised for a targeted operation at about 0600hrs on April 8, 2026,” the statement read.

Preliminary investigations, according to the police, suggest the location was being used as a cover for criminal activities, raising concerns over the misuse of religious fronts for unlawful purposes.

The Command warned that there would be no safe haven for criminal elements in the state.

“Any attempt to disguise criminal activities under any cover, religious or otherwise, will be met with the full weight of the law,” the statement added.