Police Recovers Two Coffins Filled With Sanitary Pads, Victims Portraits In Akwa Ibom Shrine

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 , announced the recovery of two coffins and other fetish objects from a shrine suspected to be a hideout for a criminal syndicate believed to be involved in  cultism , armed robbery and rape of unsuspecting residents and visitors in Abak Local Government Area of the State.

Also recovered during the intelligence-driven operation were women sanitary pads, portraits of some  individuals, and assorted types of fetish items.

A statement issued on Tuesday by the Command’s spokesperson, Timfon John DSP, informed that about five suspects were also arrested during the raids.

According to John, the clampdown on the criminal den was sequel to a formal petition lodged with the Police on June 26, 2025 by a middle age man ,( names withheld) that a group of armed men broke into his room at a guest house (names withheld) in Abak,  robbed him of his belongings and raped his female guest.

The police spokesperson stated that following the complaint, the State Commissioner of Police  Baba Mohammed Azare directed a deployment of a crack  team of operatives to carry out  discreet and thorough investigations .

According to her, the operatives on July, 30 ,2025 based on credible intelligence, stormed the criminal hideout, and arrestedt the suspects.

Those arrested are 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 Muhammed 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”, John stated.

The State Commissioner of Police while commending operatives for their dedication to duty, also reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment towards making Akwa Ibom unsafe for criminal elements.