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The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has launched a comprehensive investigation into the death of Pastor Etetim Udo, Founder and General Overseer of Power in the Word of God for the World Ministries, Oron, after preliminary findings suggested that the cleric may have died by suicide.
The Command, however, said it was not treating the incident as a concluded case of suicide, stressing that investigators were working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the death and rule out every other possibility.
Udo was found dead at the premises of his church, located at No. 1B Etim Inyang Street, Oron, on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
According to the police, in a release issued by its Public Relations Office, DSP Timfon John and made available to our correspondent in Uyo at the weekend, the incident came to public attention at about 8:18 a.m. when a resident who usually parked his motorcycle at the church premises arrived and 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, where preliminary observations indicated that the cleric was found suspended with a twisted mosquito net rope.
The Command said investigators professionally processed the scene, took photographs and recovered relevant exhibits for forensic examination and further investigation.
The body was subsequently evacuated to a hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed the deceased dead. His remains have since been deposited at the mortuary pending an autopsy.
The police said the autopsy, forensic examination and other aspects of the ongoing investigation would be critical to determining the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s death.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, assured the public that the investigation would be thorough, impartial and professionally conducted.
While urging anyone with useful information to come forward and assist the investigation, the Commissioner cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information or engaging in speculation capable of misleading investigators and causing unnecessary public anxiety.
The Command said its decision to continue investigating the case, despite preliminary indications of suspected suicide, was aimed at ensuring that all possible explanations were examined before any definitive conclusion was reached.
