In Anambra State, at least seven individuals, including five teenagers, have been arrested on charges of cultism and robbery.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed in a statement released on Saturday night that the suspects were apprehended on Friday.
According to the police spokesperson, the arrests occurred when officers from the Special Anti-Cult Squad were conducting a patrol near UNIZIK Junction in the area. During their patrol, the police operatives stopped a tricycle and detained its five male occupants, including the driver.
“When the officers attempted to question them, the occupants fled. While the others managed to escape, Chukwuemka Ozoekwe was caught,” Ikenga explained.
Mr. Ikenga further stated that Mr. Ozoekwe subsequently led the police to their hideout where two additional suspects, Chidozie Anagor, 18, and Chukwuemeka Oyeoka, 18, were taken into custody.
“Also during the raid operation in their harbour, the operatives arrested Ebuka Okoye, 17, Olisa Obi, 19, Chidubem Nwakwu, 20, and Nwankwo Kosisochukwu,” he said.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of Vipers Cult Group. They are one of the gangs terrorising Awka metropolis recently.
“The suspects also confessed that they were on a mission to rob the road users of their phones and personal belongings before the arrest,” the police spokesperson added.
He mentioned that two suspects who fled, Makuo Nwosu and another male who has yet to be identified, have been declared wanted by the police.
The Acting Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Fidelis Ogarabe, has urged the operatives to continue their efforts in combating crime in the state, according to Mr. Ikenga.
Ogarabe, who is also the deputy commissioner of police responsible for finance and administration, vowed to reward the state’s residents for their trust in the police.
Furthermore, the acting police commissioner instructed that all the arrested suspects be formally charged in court once investigations are completed.