Police arrest three suspected cultists with illicit drugs in A’Ibom

Authorities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, have apprehended three individuals suspected of belonging to the Vikings Confraternity, a notorious secret cult, during an intelligence-led operation.

The arrests took place at a residential building along Abak Road in Uyo, the state capital, which police identified as a hideout for cult-related activities and illicit drug use. The operation was part of the state police command's ongoing efforts to combat cultism, drug trafficking, and vandalism.

During the raid, officers recovered substances believed to be methamphetamine, commonly known as "Ice," and cannabis, also referred to as "Indian hemp," along with other items associated with drug consumption. The suspects, identified as Dick Udofia, Emem Charles, and Ubong Matthew, have reportedly confessed to their membership in the Vikings Confraternity.

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The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant breakthrough in its sustained efforts to rid the state of cultism, illicit drug activities and vandalism of critical infrastructure, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to protecting lives, property and public assets.

Preliminary investigations suggest that one of the arrested individuals, Ubong Matthew, was allegedly forcibly initiated into the cult on July 5, 2026, an event reportedly orchestrated by Dick Udofia at the same location. The suspects are students at a polytechnic whose name has been withheld by authorities. They are currently cooperating with the police, providing useful information as investigations continue to identify and apprehend other fleeing members.

In a separate but related incident, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command also arrested a 32-year-old private security guard, Joshua Akpan, for allegedly vandalizing and stealing armored electrical cables and other electrical installations from various public and private facilities. A search of his residence yielded stolen cables, wires, and tools suspected to have been used in the crimes. Akpan has reportedly confessed to these offenses.

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Preliminary investigations revealed that all three suspects admitted membership of the Vikings Confraternity. Investigators further established that one of the suspects, Ubong Matthew, was allegedly forcefully initiated into the cult group on July 5, 2026, during a ceremony reportedly masterminded by Dick Udofia at the same location.