The body was evacuated to the hospital, where the medical doctor on duty confirmed him dead. His remains have since been
By Moses Okorie
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a prominent cleric, Apostle Etetim Udo, founder and General Overseer of Power in the Word of God for the World Ministries in Oron.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Uyo.
According to the police spokesperson, the incident came to light after a resident reported an unusual development at the church premises on Wednesday, July 23.
She explained that the resident, who regularly parks his motorcycle within the church compound, arrived at about 8:18 a.m. and noticed an unusual gathering of people.
“The informant stated that he was subsequently told by the deceased’s children that their father had allegedly taken his own life,” John said.
Following the report, police operatives were immediately dispatched to the scene to commence preliminary investigations.
According to the PPRO, investigators found the deceased suspended with what appeared to be a twisted mosquito net rope.
She said the crime scene was professionally processed, with photographs taken and relevant exhibits recovered to aid forensic analysis and the ongoing investigation.
“The body was evacuated to the hospital, where the medical doctor on duty confirmed him dead. His remains have since been deposited at the mortuary pending an autopsy, although preliminary findings suggest a case of suspected suicide,” she added.
John, however, stressed that the Command had not reached a final conclusion, noting that investigators were exploring every possible angle to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the cleric’s death.
She quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, as assuring residents that the investigation would be thorough, impartial and professionally handled.
The commissioner appealed to members of the public with useful information to assist the investigation by coming forward to cooperate with the police.
Azare also urged residents to refrain from circulating unverified information capable of misleading investigators or creating unnecessary public anxiety.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to conducting diligent investigations into all reported incidents while continuing to safeguard lives and property across Akwa Ibom State.