The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of the Vikings Confraternity during an intelligence-led raid on a residential building along Abak Road in Uyo.
The suspects, identified as Dick Udofia, Emem Charles and Ubong Matthew, were allegedly found with substances suspected to be methamphetamine, popularly known as Ice, cannabis, and other drug-related items.
In a statement issued on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Timfon John, said the suspects admitted belonging to the secret cult and are assisting investigators with useful information.
“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.
“In a coordinated intelligence-led operation, operatives of the command arrested three suspected members of the notorious Vikings Confraternity following a raid on a residential building off Abak Road, Uyo, which had been identified as a hideout for cult-related activities and illicit drug abuse.
“The suspects, identified as Dick Udofia, Emem Charles and Ubong Matthew, were apprehended. During the raid, officers recovered substances suspected to be methamphetamine (Ice), cannabis, commonly referred to as Indian hemp, and other items linked to drug use.
“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,” the statement partly read.
John said the suspects, who are students of a polytechnic whose identity was withheld, are cooperating with investigators, while efforts are underway to arrest other fleeing members of the group.
In a separate operation, police also arrested a 32-year-old private security guard, Joshua Akpan, over the alleged vandalism and theft of armoured electrical cables and other electrical installations from churches, homes, factories and government facilities.
According to the statement, a search of Akpan’s residence led to the recovery of cut armoured cables, bundles of vandalised electrical wires, pliers, an iron-cutting blade, a hammer and other tools believed to have been used in carrying out the thefts.
The police said the suspect admitted to the crime.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to vandalising and stealing electrical cables from the Catholic Cathedral, where he had been employed as a security guard. Investigations are ongoing to arrest other members of the criminal syndicate still at large and recover additional stolen property,” the statement added.