Akwa Ibom police arrest suspected ritualist for supplying charms to armed robbers

Akwa Ibom police have arrested suspected ritualist Cletus Bassey for allegedly supplying charms and bulletproof talismans to armed robbers. A firearm was recovered at his shrine

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested Cletus Effiong Bassey, 30, for allegedly providing native charms and “bullet repellants” to armed robbers.

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Police spokesperson Timfon John said Bassey was apprehended on July 29, 2025, at about 7pm during a raid on his shrine in Nung Oku Village, Uruan Local Government Area.

A search of the suspect’s compound led to the recovery of a fabricated single-barrel gun.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Bassey was allegedly involved in ritualistic activities to aid criminal gangs.

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The police said the investigation is ongoing to identify other suspects connected to the case.

Quadri Olaitan