10 Cultists Arrested, Sophisticated Weapons Recovered

The Rivers State Police Command stated that it had detained 10 individuals suspected of being cult members, who had been involved in an exte...

The Rivers State Police Command stated that it had detained 10 individuals suspected of being cult members, who had been involved in an extended conflict for dominance and causing terror among the people in the Diobu neighborhood of Port Harcourt and surrounding regions.

The police stated that the incident occurred after rival cult conflicts between the 'Blood Suckers' and 'D12' groups of the infamous Deygbam gangs, which are active in Diobu, a heavily populated area of the city.

PUNCH Metroassembled on Thursday, it was revealed that the actions of the breakaway cult groups, who had been causing fear in the city for more than six months, have resulted in numerous deaths, including those of ordinary citizens.

A representative from the state command, Grace Iringe-Koko, revealed this in a statement released in Port Harcourt, the state's capital, on Thursday.

The statement says, “The Rivers State Police Command offers an update on the advancement of the investigation and battle against organized crime, after a series of operations aimed at a violent conflict between the Blood Suckers and D12 groups of the infamous DEYGBAM secret cult in Diobu, Port Harcourt.”

The violent events that began in May and resulted in several deaths have caused significant fear throughout the neighborhood.

Due to persistent work, law enforcement officers have disabled important suspects, found multiple illegal weapons, and brought peace back to the region.

Iringe-Koko listed the names and ages of the first arrested individuals as: Diepreye Gogo-Abite, 43; Godsfollow Monday, 30; Ifeanyi Sampson, 28; Gift Emmanuel, 28; Friday Godwin, 24; Chukwemeka Dike, 31; Brown Otu, 23; and Dieseyi Ukulu, 43.

The statement added, “Among the items seized from the suspects are: one Skorpion VZ61 submachine gun, one counterfeit English-made Beretta handgun, 20 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, two rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and one pair of screwdrivers (sunglasses).”

The state police image specialist stated that the weapons were hidden in a black bag at one of the suspect's known locations, Ukulu's residence, and were discovered following his confession.

She additionally disclosed that after a confidential inquiry, two additional suspects, including a firearms dealer, were detained, while a third person passed away following an illness.

As per her statement, "Chidiebere Nwaiwu, also known as Daddy, was taken into custody on August 26, 2025, serving as the group's head of weaponry connected to the smuggling of firearms. He passed away in the hospital on August 27, 2025, following an illness."

His body is kept in the morgue for examination. Prior to his arrest, Daddy had arranged an ambush to kill police officers assigned to special duty in the Rumuosi/Rumuagholu region due to a land conflict, working together with Michael Ejike, also known as Effizy, and Clinton Anwusor.

Michael Ejike was taken into custody on September 16, 2025, in Imo State, where he had been concealed. While being questioned, he admitted to taking the weapons from Daddy's house through his sister, as ordered by Ugochukwu Ukeagbu, also known as Ugo King, the head of the Blood Suckers.

Iringe-Koko mentioned that the police have increased their efforts to retrieve additional weapons, make arrests, and dismantle other cult organizations.

She stated that the command's brief silence regarding the investigation was a deliberate move to avoid intensifying the situation and to capture any possible collaborators.

"The individuals under suspicion are currently being prosecuted in court, whereas the other suspects, Michael Ejike and Clinton Anwusor, will be prosecuted after a comprehensive investigation is completed," said Iringe-Koko, a Police Superintendent.

In speaking, the state Police Commissioner, Olugbenga Adepoju, praised the hard work and courage of his officers, referring to their efforts as 'bold operations,' and encouraged them to continue upholding these high levels of expertise in the battle against crime in all its forms.

Adepoju added that the arrests have brought peace back to the Diobu neighborhood in Port Harcourt and the entire state, while also commending the community's support and collaboration, and urging continued alertness to combat such lawbreakers.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).