Police officers in Akwa Ibom State have raided a location believed to be a shrine and arrested five people suspected of being involved in rape and robbery.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state, DSP Timfon John, shared this information in a statement released on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

The investigation began after the police received a complaint on June 26, 2025. The report described an attack at a guest house in Abak where armed men robbed a man and raped a woman who was with him.

Following orders from the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, officers carried out a late-night raid on July 30, 2025, around 11:10 PM. During the operation, they arrested five suspects: Richard Edet Udo, Hope Unibong Anitie, Joseph Ibongidi, Christian Joseph Johnny, and Joseph Joseph.

During the raid, the police found a place that looked like a shrine. Inside, there were two coffins filled with used women’s sanitary pads, photographs of people, and other strange or fetish-related items.

The PPRO said that the investigation is still ongoing and efforts are being made to catch the rest of the gang members.

She also confirmed that the police are determined to bring the suspects to justice and keep the public safe.

According to the official statement: “Acting on instructions from CP Baba Mohammed Azare, detectives raided the suspects’ hideout. They discovered shocking items in what appeared to be a shrine—two coffins containing women’s sanitary pads, photos, and other fetish objects.”