POLICE ARREST SIXTEEN SUSPECTED CULTISTS, RECOVER FOUR FIREARMS, SIX LIVE CARTRIDGES, EIGHT ROUNDS OF LIVE AMMUNITION, TWO AXES AND OTHER EXHIBITS

DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND

PRESS RELEASE

POLICE ARREST SIXTEEN SUSPECTED CULTISTS, RECOVER FOUR FIREARMS, SIX LIVE CARTRIDGES, EIGHT ROUNDS OF LIVE AMMUNITION, TWO AXES AND OTHER EXHIBITS

The Delta State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on cultism and other violent crimes across the State, with the arrest of twelve suspected cultists and the recovery of firearms, ammunition and other incriminating exhibits in separate intelligence-led operations.

1. ARREST OF EIGHT SUSPECTED CULTISTS; RECOVERY OF THREE LOCALLY FABRICATED PISTOLS, LIVE AMMUNITION AND OTHER EXHIBITS

On 17 July 2026 at about 0200hrs, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Amukpe, Sapele Local Government Area, where they arrested 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), 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.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are linked to cult-related activities within the Sapele axis. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons.

2. ARREST OF EIGHT SUSPECTS OVER ALLEGED CULT-RELATED ATTACK

In a separate operation on the same day at about 1130hrs, 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.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, psc, acipm, mnips, commended the operatives for the successful operations and reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal gangs and cult groups across the State. He urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to the Police, assuring residents that the command will sustain intelligence-led operations to ensure the safety and security of all.

SP. BRIGHT EDAFE, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,

DELTA STATE COMMAND,

ASABA

18th July, 2026