The Operatives of Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested alleged cultist on stop and search, drawing the attention of the public to why it is necessary for security personnel to search vehicles on the road.
It was disclosed yesterday in the statement of the Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, that at around 7:10 p.m. on March 12, the Eket police team led by Ibanga Ime went on patrol along Excellence Road in Eket.
In the course of carrying out their duties of stopping commuters and searching their vehicles, two young men, while sighting the security men, jumped off their motorcycles and took their heels.
In response to their action, the police personnel went after them and ended up arresting one of the two men on the chase.
One of the alleged cultist, Israel Ekpesidem, nicknamed Firstborn, is 27-years-old. He hails from Akpautong Village in Esit Eket LGA, but resides at Ikot Ibiok Village in Eket, which led the police force to recover arms he held in possession during the operation.
The arms recovered from the alleged cultist are two locally made pistols, five cartridges, an adjustable range spanner, a cutter, a daylong motorcycle, and hard drugs.
The PPRO reveals that a similar case had taken place on February 23, noting that at approximately 12:45 p.m., the Anti-Robbery Surveillance Patrol Team of the Command carried out the same stop and search operation, which led to the arrest of one Samuel Williams at Ikot Ndem Street, Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom.
According to the statement, “the suspect confessed to being a member of a cult group and is helping the police in further investigation.”
The arrest led to the recovery of arms and a substance suspected to be cocaine. The recovered items were: one locally made gun, two live cartridges, and 10 pieces of suspected cocaine.
However, the Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara, promised that there would be no hiding place for criminal elements within the state.
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Also, Mr. Ayilara asked the members of the state to be watchful and report any suspicious cases to the security operatives for further intervention.
“He has urged residents to remain vigilant and be quick in reporting criminals for police prompt intervention,” the PPRO disclosed.
