Delta Police Arrest Nine Suspected Cultists
Police said the suspects were arrested in separate operations in Obiaruku and Issele-Ikpitime, with investigations continuing into their alleged activities.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested nine suspected cultists in separate intelligence-led operations in Obiaruku and Issele-Ikpitime communities. The command said the operations were carried out as part of efforts to tackle cult-related violence and other criminal activities across the state.
In the first operation, conducted on September 13, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Ubulu-Uku, acted on intelligence and executed a search warrant at premises along Ghana Quarters Street, Umuebu Road, Obiaruku. Seven suspects were arrested during the operation. Police also reported recovering several items connected to the investigation.
The seven 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. Police said preliminary questioning indicated that the suspects allegedly claimed membership of the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities and made statements concerning alleged internet fraud. Authorities stressed that investigations are still ongoing to establish their individual roles and determine whether they have links to other criminal activities.
In a separate incident on September 12, police responded to a reported cult-related attack on residents of Issele-Ikpitime Village. The operation led to the arrest of Emmanuel Believe, 29, and Israel Nwaobi, 27. Police said a man who was injured during the reported attack was rescued and taken to a hospital for treatment, while efforts are continuing to identify other people allegedly involved.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, directed investigators to establish the source of the recovered items and identify other persons who may be connected to the suspects. He also warned against cult-related violence and unlawful possession of firearms, while assuring residents that the command would continue intelligence-led operations against criminal activities. The suspects remain accused persons, and the allegations against them are subject to due legal process.
