REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
The Police Command in Anambra State has arrested thirteen cult suspects in separate operations and recovered firearms, ammunition, charms and cult-related insignias .
Other items recovered by the command in operations were suspected illicit drugs, dangerous weapons and a stolen vehicle.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said that operatives of Okpoko Division acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout around Coca-Cola Market, Okpoko on September 30th and arrested one Somtochukwu Ezeibe, a 20-year-old male.
A follow-up search at his residence also led to the recovery of a Vikings Confraternity beret and peak cap while preliminary investigation revealed his alleged involvement in cult-related activities.
He explained explained that information provided by the suspect assisted the police in identifying other persons allegedly connected with the group.
Also on Monday this week police operatives arrested eight additional suspects linked to cult activities and transfered them to the Anti-Cult Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In a related development, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in collaboration with Agunechemba Vigilante, Onitsha Sector, arrested four suspects in connection with alleged conspiracy and armed robbery.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are allegedly members of a six-man gang suspected of robbing shuttle bus operators at gunpoint and diverting company goods within Onitsha.
The suspects reportedly made statements implicating themselves in the alleged offences, including the diversion of goods valued at approximately 40 million naira which is being investigated.
