Shrine Raid: Police Arrest 30-Year-Old Ritualist Supplying Bulletproof Charms to Robbers
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a suspected ritualist, Cletus Effiong Bassey, in connection with ritualistic practices allegedly aimed at aiding criminal activity in the state.
The arrest was made on July 29, 2025, at about 7:00 p.m. at Bassey’s shrine located in Nung Oku Village, Uruan Local Government Area, following a tip-off.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, confirmed the development in a statement issued Friday in Uyo, the state capital.
“Bassey is suspected of being involved in ritualistic activities, including providing native charms and ‘bullet repellers’ to armed robbers,” the statement read.
A search of the suspect’s premises led to the recovery of a fabricated single-barrel firearm, further deepening suspicions about his alleged links to criminal networks.
“On July 29, 2025, at approximately 18:51 hours, operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Cletus Effiong Bassey, a 30-year-old male, at his shrine in Nung Oku Village, Uruan LGA,” the statement added.
The police said investigations are ongoing and assured the public of continued efforts to dismantle criminal networks and eliminate illegal arms from the streets.
