September 02, (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has intensified its crackdown on crime with the arrest of a notorious human trafficker, suspected cultists linked to assault and ritual activities, and the recovery of firearms from a suspected cult armoury in separate operations across the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, in a statement on Tuesday, said operatives arrested one Alex Omosivie, 47, from Edo State, at a hotel in Uyo. Omosivie was accused of trafficking young women to African countries for prostitution and other illicit activities.
Two victims were rescued during the operation. Investigations revealed that Omosivie, a deportee, had earlier trafficked an 18-year-old to Libya and a 16-year-old to Burkina Faso in July and August respectively. He confessed to receiving ₦50,000 per victim.
In a separate operation on August 28, police arrested seven suspected members of the proscribed Ku Klux Klans Confraternity in connection with the brutal assault of a student of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
The victim, who had renounced cult membership, was left unconscious and robbed of his phone and ₦41,000.
Items recovered from the suspects’ hideout included a locally made short gun, seven live cartridges, a fresh human skull, and ritual substances.
The suspects were identified as Douglas Ambe Esikhene, Stephen Asukwo Effiong, Saviour Dany Akpan, Emmanuel Friday Umoh, Augustine Uduak Okon, Mary Ating Asukwo, and Itohowo Christopher Uko.
The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest more members of the gang.
Similarly, on August 31, operatives raided a suspected cult armoury at Ikot Obio Ekpong village in Mkpat Enin LGA.
The raid led to the recovery of three locally made pistols and the arrest of two suspects, Godwin Udo Sunday, 35, and Utibe Akpan, 32, both residents of the community.
The Command assured residents of its commitment to tackling violent crimes and human trafficking, adding that investigations are ongoing and further updates will be provided.
