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Two policemen, students, others arraigned for alleged cultism, gunrunning

By Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh, Uyo
28 March 2018   |   4:20 am
Barely two weeks after the Akwa Ibom State government clamped down on the activities of 33 cult groups in the state, more than 20 suspects have been arrested by security operatives...

Barely two weeks after the Akwa Ibom State government clamped down on the activities of 33 cult groups in the state, more than 20 suspects have been arrested by security operatives for alleged involvement in cultism, illegal possession of firearms and other nefarious activities.

Confirming this, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Odiko Macdon Ogbeche, said the command arrested those with dangerous weapons, noting that such was the determined efforts of the command in curbing crime in the state.

He revealed that 17 of the suspects, including two policemen, two University of Uyo (UNIUYO) students and a 29-year-old phone repairer at the Ibom Plaza roundabout, Uyo were among those arrested and now being prosecuted by the command.

According to him, one of the policemen, a sergeant, attached to the Ibom International Airport, his colleague also a sergeant and a security aide to a member of the House of Assembly, have been charged to court.

“We have arraigned the suspects; our ground-men on combat operations arrested them in different parts of the state and the command is also mopping arms as directed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP),” he said.

The suspects, who were arraigned on a two-count charge of terrorism and illegal possession of firearms before Justice Archibong Archibong, at the Uyo High Court, have admitted being members of the proscribed Ku Klux Klaans (KKK) confraternity.

Justice Archibong said the alleged offences contravened section 6 of Akwa Ibom State Internal Security Enforcement Law 2009 and section 6 (1) of Firearms Special Prohibition Act, Laws of the Federation 2004. The case has been adjourned to May 3 for further hearing and cross-examinations of the suspects.

Meanwhile, the Military Joint Task Force (JTF) has arrested two suspects with firearms in Ukanafun Local Government Area.

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