Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have apprehended a notorious kidnapper and cultist, Ubong Michael, popularly known as “Ubong Boy”, in Ikot Aka Village, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state.

A statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Thursday said the suspect was arrested with a human skull, a human bone and other items on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, following credible intelligence.

The command’s spokesperson said the suspect had confessed to the crimes and is now aiding operatives in ongoing efforts to track others and recover more ammunition.

John said preliminary reports indicated that the suspect had been a key figure in multiple kidnapping operations, including the abduction of one Gabriel in 2023 and one John in 2025.

She added that the suspect, who had been in hiding in Port Harcourt, was traced and arrested after intelligence indicated he had secretly returned to the community.

The statement read in part, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, in its sustained onslaught against violent crimes and criminal syndicates across the state, has recorded a significant breakthrough with the arrest of a notorious kidnapper and cultist who had long been on the command’s wanted list.

“On April 22, 2026, at about 1700hrs, operatives of the command, acting on credible intelligence, swiftly mobilised to Ikot Aka Village in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, where one Ubong Michael, also known as ‘Ubong Boy’ (male, 30 years), was apprehended.

“The suspect, who had been in hiding in Port Harcourt, was arrested following intelligence indicating that he had secretly returned to the community.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect is a key figure in multiple kidnapping operations, including the abduction of one Gabriel in 2023 and one John in 2025.

“A search conducted upon his arrest led to the recovery of the following exhibits: one human skull (suspected to belong to a victim), one human bone, two live cartridges and one dagger.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the crimes and is currently assisting the police with vital information aiding ongoing efforts to recover additional weapons and apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, commended the operatives for their professional conduct and swift, intelligence-driven response, while reiterating the command’s commitment to ridding Akwa Ibom State of all forms of violent crime.

The CP warned criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law, adding that Akwa Ibom State remains, and will continue to be, a hostile environment for criminals.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support the police with timely and credible information, while assuring residents of the command’s resolve to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state. (The PUNCH)

Update news