The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a cleric, Pastor Etetim Udo, Founder and General Overseer of Power in the Word of God for the World Ministries, located at No. 1B Etim Inyang Street, Oron.
In a statement signed by the command public relations officer DSP Timfon John said on Thursday, 23rd July, 2026, at about 8:18 a.m., the Command received a distress report from a resident who stated that upon arriving at the church premises, where he usually parks his motorcycle, he noticed an unusual gathering. He was subsequently informed by the deceased’s children that their father had allegedly taken his own life. Following the report, police operatives immediately mobilised to the scene. Preliminary observations revealed that the deceased was found suspended with a twisted mosquito net rope. The scene was professionally processed by investigators, photographs were taken, and relevant exhibits were recovered to aid forensic examination and further 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 the conduct of an autopsy.
Although preliminary findings point to a case of suspected suicide, the Command wishes to emphasise that investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and rule out every other possibility. The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has assured members of the public that the investigation will be thorough, impartial, and professionally conducted. He appealed to anyone with useful information that could assist the investigation to come forward and cooperate with the police. The Commissioner of Police also urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information or engaging in speculation capable of misleading the investigation or causing unnecessary public anxiety
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains committed to ensuring that every reported incident is thoroughly investigated in the interest of justice while continuing to protect lives and property across the State.