By Abimbola Ogunnaike
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 22 suspects in connection with the murder of Inspector Usang Egbe and for engaging in cult-related activities in the state.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon, who confirmed the development in statement issued on Saturday, 3 February, 2024 in Uyo, the state capital, said the arrests were made between January 31st and February 2nd, 2024.
According to Macdon, the command would escalate its efforts against criminal elements in the state, ensuring that perpetrators of heinous crimes are brought to justice.
“On 30/01/24, at about 23:30hrs, relying on credible intelligence, the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Command arrested one Emem Ime Friday, alias BARRACKS, a serial murderer from Mbiaso village in Oruk Anam LGA who masterminded the Inen Clan Cult War.
“In 2022, he orchestrated the gruesome murder of Inen Clan Youth President, Hezekiah Adaidem, beheading him and severing his manhood before fleeing to Rivers State. In 2020, he allegedly murdered Ufot Unwana on August 8th, Udeme Unwucha, and Okon Ubok Udom on September 16th. Other victims on November 24th were Ntiedo Sambo, Eferemfon James, and Gilbert Akpan.
“Also, on 22/1/2024, at about 5:15 pm, following actionable intelligence, operatives of Ika Division arrested one Emmanuel Francis Daniel ‘m’ aged 33yrs of Otomo village in Ika L.G.A., for killing Emmanuel Jimmy Udoh ‘m’ aged about 58 years of Nket Abak village in Ukanafun L.G.A., the pastor of Jesus Power Ministry in Ikot Esu village in Ika L.G.A of Akwa Ibom State.
“The suspect, together with others now at large, shot the pastor to death in the church. Efforts are on to arrest other fleeing suspects.
“Similarly, on 23/1/2023, one Happiness Isaiah Ekanem ‘f’ and 3 others of Ikono L.G.A., who conspired and killed Imo Isaiah Ekanem ‘m’ aged 32, at the same address by beating him to death and secretly burying the corpse, have been arrested, and investigation is ongoing,” the statement read in parts.
