Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested 17 male suspects in Awka over alleged cult-related activities, drug abuse, and other offences described as acts against public morality.
The suspects were picked up in the early hours of Saturday during a coordinated raid on a suspected hideout in the state capital, following what police described as credible intelligence.
Items recovered from the scene include dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, containers of petroleum jelly, condoms, and other exhibits currently undergoing analysis as part of an ongoing investigation.
Preliminary interrogation reportedly linked the suspects to the Vikings Confraternity, also known as “Bagger,” while authorities say further investigations are ongoing to establish the extent of their involvement in cultism and other criminal activities.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the operation is part of sustained efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
“The suspects include: Okeke Ugochukwu, 28 years; Okoro Christian, 17; Goodluck Michael, 25; Amuche Michael, 24; Ojukwu Divine, 26; Ikechukwu Chimeremeze, 20; Obinna Ike, 30; Nnamdi Desmond, 28; Odibendi, 20; Emmanuel Onyema, 26; Omalico Eric, 23; Duru Ifeanyi, 23; Diamond Zikora, 26; Charles Chukwuma, 28; Ikem Vincent, 20; Okeke Chibuzo, 23; and Izunna Okoye, 24 years respectively,” Ikenga stated.
He added that the command remains committed to sustaining the fight against cultism and related crimes in the state.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc mnips PhD, reiterates that cultism, drug abuse, and all forms of criminality or acts capable of undermining public peace and societal values will not be tolerated in the State,” he said.
Ikenga further noted that the command has launched a full-scale investigation into the case to determine the suspects’ level of involvement and identify any additional offenders connected to the operation.
He assured that further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.
