By Edem Ekpo
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has taken into custody a suspected ritualist, Cletus Effiong Bassey, over allegations that he supplied armed robbers with charms said to make them immune to bullets.
The arrest, confirmed by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, took place on July 29, 2025, at about 6:51pm when operatives stormed Bassey’s shrine in Nung Oku Village, Uruan Local Government Area.
According to police investigations, the 30-year-old suspect was allegedly running an illicit operation that catered to criminal gangs seeking supernatural protection against law enforcement firepower.
“The suspect is believed to have specialised in preparing native charms, including so-called ‘bullet repellers,’ for use by armed robbers,” DSP John said.
During a search of the premises, officers recovered a locally fabricated single-barrel gun, which has been taken into evidence.
The police say further investigations are ongoing to uncover other possible accomplices and the full extent of the suspect’s activities.
The command assured the public of its determination to rid Akwa Ibom communities of criminal elements and the networks that empower them.