Police Dismantle Criminal Hideout Disguised as Church in Akwa Ibom; Seven Suspects Arrested

Seven people arrested as Akwa Ibom police raid a "church" in Ikono LGA. Firearms, police vests, and motorcycles were recovered from the criminal hideout.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 11:02 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Post Nigeria

Strategic Raid on a Religious Front

In a swift response to credible intelligence, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command executed a targeted raid on a compound in Ndiya Mfia village on Wednesday morning. The facility, which was being used as a criminal hideout, had been operating under the guise of a church known as ‘All Power Belong to Me, Solomon of our Generation’. At approximately 6:00 AM on April 8, 2026, tactical teams moved in to dismantle what preliminary investigations suggest was a strategic base for unlawful operations. This raid highlights a growing concern regarding the misuse of religious identities to shield criminal elements from law enforcement scrutiny.

Suspects Apprehended and Identity Revealed

The operation resulted in the arrest of seven individuals found on the premises. The suspects have been identified as Preacher Brian Ebeka, Kenneth Ezekiel, Dickson Ndueso, Abang Rowland, Esther Elijah Okon, and Joy Elijah Okon. These individuals are currently in custody and are assisting the command with further inquiries into the nature of the activities conducted within the compound. The inclusion of both males and females among the suspects suggests a coordinated effort to maintain the appearance of a functioning religious community while facilitating hidden agendas.

Recovery of Firearms and Tactical Exhibits

The search of the "church" grounds yielded a significant cache of incriminating items. Operatives recovered two locally made double barrel guns and five expended cartridges, alongside five machetes and a saw blade. Perhaps most concerning was the discovery of official security equipment, including a special forces vest, a police crest, jungle boots, and a peak cap. These items suggest the group may have been impersonating security personnel during their operations. Additionally, 10 mobile phones, four motorcycles, and several vehicle plate numbers were seized, all of which are being analyzed for links to recent criminal incidents in the Ikono region.