Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Nigeria Police Force in Anambra State have arrested 17 male suspects allegedly linked to cult-related activities and other offences considered inimical to public morality.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, said on Sunday that the suspects were arrested at a hideout in Awka following credible intelligence.
According to him, items recovered from the suspects include dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis sativa, containers of petroleum jelly, condoms, and other exhibits deemed relevant to the ongoing investigation.
He listed the suspects 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 are Omalico Eric (23), Duru Ifeanyi (23), Diamond Zikora (26), Charles Chukwuma (28), Ikem Vincent (20), Okeke Chibuzo (23), and Izunna Okoye (24).
Ikenga said preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects are affiliated with the Vikings Confraternity, a cult group also known as “Bagger.”
He added that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of their involvement in cult-related activities and any other possible criminal offences.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reiterated that cultism, drug abuse, and all forms of criminal activity capable of undermining public peace and societal values will not be tolerated in Anambra State.
