0
The Delta State Police Command said it has recorded another breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on cultism and other violent crimes with the arrest of 16 suspected cultists and the recovery of firearms, ammunition and other incriminating exhibits .
The Command revealed that the suspects were nabbed in separate intelligence-led operations.
Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Delta State Command who confirmed this said that on July 17, 2026 at about 2 a.m, operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), while acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected hideout for criminals at Amukpe, Sapele Local Government Area, where they arrested the following suspects: Lucky Naset (30), Ochuko Midwest (27), Samuel Oghene (29), Michael Mmadu (35), Dennis Philip (28), Goodluck Onujenya (30), Ovie Royal (25), and Divine Otemu (22), adding they were all suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity.
“A thorough search of the hideout led to the recovery of three locally fabricated pistols, six live cartridges, eight rounds of live ammunition of different calibres, two axes, two suspected cannabis grinders, one bottle containing a suspected illicit substance, and other incriminating exhibits.”
Edafe, a Superintendent of Police (SP) further disclosed that preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects are linked to cult-related activities within the Sapele axis, revealing that investigation was ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons.
He said that in operation on the same day at about 11.30p.m, operatives arrested Ifeanyi Emeka (25), Hope Sunday (24), Francis Onyechiwalla (23), and Chinedu Joseph (25), in connection with the alleged attack on a male victim (name withheld) from Illabor Community, Ika North East Local Government Area, with a cut-to-size gun.
“During preliminary investigation, the suspects allegedly confessed to being members of the Eiye Confraternity. Suspects are in custody while investigation continues to determine their involvement in other cult-related crimes and apprehend other members of the group.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi has commended the operatives for the successful operations.
He reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal gangs and cult groups across the State.
The CP further urged members of the public to continue to provide credible and timely information to the Police, assuring residents that the command would sustain intelligence-led operations to ensure the safety and security of all.
