Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have launched an investigation into the death of the Founder and General Overseer of Power in the Word of God for the World Ministries, Oron, Pastor Etetim Udo, who was reportedly found dead in what police suspect to be a case of suicide.
The Punch reported that the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Saturday.
According to the statement, the police received a distress call on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at about 8:18 a.m. from a resident who said he arrived at the church premises, where he usually parks his motorcycle, and noticed an unusual gathering.
The resident reportedly told officers that the deceased’s children informed him their father had allegedly taken his own life.
The statement said police operatives swiftly responded to the report and, upon arrival, discovered the cleric suspended inside the church with a twisted mosquito net rope.
Investigators processed the scene, took photographs and recovered relevant exhibits to support forensic analysis and ongoing investigations.
The body was taken to a hospital, where a doctor confirmed the cleric dead before his remains were deposited in a mortuary for an autopsy.
The statement read in part, “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.
“On Thursday, July 23, 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 inside the church.
“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 doctor on duty confirmed him dead. His remains have since been deposited at the mortuary pending an autopsy.”
The police said that while preliminary findings suggest a suspected case of suicide, investigations are still ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the cleric’s death and to rule out any other possibilities.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, assured the public that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, impartially and professionally.
He urged anyone with credible information that could assist investigators to come forward and cooperate with the police.
The commissioner also appealed to residents to avoid circulating unverified claims or engaging in speculation that could mislead the investigation or create unnecessary public anxiety.
