Dare Babalola
Some suspected cult leaders have been arrested by officers of the CP-Special Assignment Team of the Delta State Police Command, in connection with a murder case in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The suspects were nabbed in separate operations in Asaba, with assorted firearms also seized, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe.
Following ongoing investigations into a cult-related killing in Ughelli Town’s Iwhrekpokpo area on January 15, police operatives stormed a hotel in Ekuigbo area on March 6, arresting suspects. The CP-SAT team, led by Julius Robinson, acted on credible intelligence around 11:30 am.
“The operation led to the arrest of Joshua Okpogona ‘m’ (30 years) of Okwarabe Community, identified as the current Ughelli leader of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and the alleged mastermind behind the killing.
“Also arrested was Raphael Omokerhe ‘m’ (37 years), popularly known as ‘Black Python,’ identified as the immediate past leader of the same cult group.
“Investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing suspects connected to the crime,” the statement read.
In another intelligence-driven operation aimed at dismantling criminal networks in the state capital, operatives of CP-SAT at about 4:35hrs on March 8 stormed a criminal hideout at Umunaji area near Stop Abortion Junction in Asaba, leading to the arrest of 22-year-old Chukwudi Ekenna .
According to the police, a search conducted at the hideout led to the recovery of one fabricated Beretta pistol, two locally made cut-to-size guns and 10 live cartridges believed to have been used for cult-related and armed robbery activities within Asaba and its environs.
The police added that the suspect is in custody and has provided useful information aiding efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal network.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Aina Adesola, reassured residents of the command’s determination to sustain the ongoing crackdown on cultism and other crimes.
He urged the public to “continue supporting the police with credible, timely information,” noting that “community cooperation remains critical to ensuring a safer Delta State.”
