Police arrest 17 ‘cultists’, recover ammunition in Enugu

The Enugu state police command says it has arrested 17 suspects for cultism, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms in the past two weeks.

According to the police, two cut-to-size locally-made guns, one locally-made pistol, two live cartridges, six mobile phones, and other incriminating items were recovered.

Daniel Ndukwe, the command’s spokesperson, in a statement, said the suspects were arrested during joint operations carried out by police officers attached to 9th mile division, anti-cult unit and troops from Nigerian Army 82 division in Enugu.

Ndukwe noted that the joint operation took place between April 19 and May 4, within three council areas in the state.

He said the suspects would be prosecuted when the ongoing investigations into their activities are concluded.

“They included: Cornelius Uche, 31; Ifeanyi Umeneze, 22; Chijioke Anachuna, 34; Chibuzor Umeayo, 28; Chinedu Okeke, 23; Ozinachi Obadike, 22; Ifeanyi Nwagbo, 27; Chigozie Okeke, 18, and Chikamso Odinwankpa, 18; were all arrested,” the statement read.

“They were arrested on May 4 within Ezeagu Local Government Area following their alleged involvement in bloody cult clashes.

“Others included: Ozor Chidubem, 22; Amina Inalegwu (female), 18; Benard Bright, 20; Ugwu Chidera, 21; Ani Chukwuebuka, 23, and Onoh Obumneme, 20, who were all arrested on April 19 at about 3:30 a.m.

“They were arrested along Enugu-Makurdi Expressway, 9th Mile, Udi L.G.A. on their way to plan and perfect a heinous cult activity, as preliminary investigation reveals.

“Another of the suspect, one Uchenna Aniagozie, 28, was arrested on April 28 for his alleged involvement in a deadly cult clash sometimes in January 2021.

“Preliminary investigation shows that they all confessed to being members of Vikings Confraternity.”