Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Nigeria Police Force in Anambra State have apprehended 17 male suspects over alleged cult-related activities and other acts described as inimical to public morality.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed on Sunday that the suspects were tracked to a hideout in Awka and arrested following credible intelligence.
According to the PPRO, exhibits recovered from the suspects included dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, containers of petroleum jelly, condoms, and other items considered relevant to the ongoing investigation.
The suspects were identified as Okeke Ugochukwu, 28; Okoro Christian, 17; Goodluck Michael, 25; Amuche Michael, 24; Ojukwu Divine, 26; Ikechukwu Chimeremeze, 20; Obinna Ike, 30; Nnamdi Desmond, 28; Odibendi, 20; and Emmanuel Onyema, 26.
Others include Omalico Eric, 23; Duru Ifeanyi, 23; Diamond Zikora, 26; Charles Chukwuma, 28; Ikem Vincent, 20; Okeke Chibuzo, 23; and Izunna Okoye, 24.
Ikenga stated that preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects are affiliated with the Vikings Confraternity, a cult group also known as “Bagger”.
“The investigation is also extending to allegations of unlawful and immoral activities reportedly carried out at the location”, Ikenga stated.
He further noted that the command has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the level of involvement of the suspects in cult-related activities and other possible criminal offences.
Reacting to the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed that cultism, drug abuse, and every form of criminality or actions capable of disrupting public peace and societal values will not be tolerated in Anambra State.
