Delta Police Arrest Nine Suspected Cultists, Recover Two Guns

The Delta State Police Command has arrested nine suspected cultists in separate operations in Obiaruku and Issele-Ikpitime, recovering two locally made guns, a live cartridge, suspected illicit drugs and a battle axe.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.

In Obiaruku, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Ubulu-Uku, arrested seven suspects on September 13 after executing a search warrant at a premises along Ghana Quarters Street, Umuebu Road.

Police recovered a single-barrelled gun, one live cartridge, suspected illicit drugs, a battle axe, mobile phones and a laptop.

The suspects were identified as Wisdom Enede, 25; Ocheli Solomon, 42; Nnaji Godstime, 23; Izu Thankgod, 28; Kester Adishi, 31; Oghonogho Pentecost, 28; and Adishi Prince, 28.

The police said the suspects allegedly admitted membership of the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities and made statements concerning alleged involvement in internet fraud. Investigation is ongoing.

In a separate operation at Issele-Ikpitime on September 12, operatives of the Onicha-Olona Division arrested Emmanuel Believe, 29, and Israel Nwaobi, 27, following a reported cult attack.

A locally made cut-to-size gun was recovered, while a man who sustained a gunshot injury was rescued and taken to hospital for treatment.

Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, directed investigators to trace the sources of the firearms and identify other persons linked to the suspects.

He warned against cult-related violence and illegal possession of firearms, assuring residents that the command would continue to act on credible intelligence to disrupt criminal activities across Delta State.