Authorities apprehend eight alleged cult members following attack on university student in Bayelsa

A total of eight suspected cultists have been taken into custody by the Bayelsa State Police Command in connection with the alleged assault of Prince Hansen, a 300-level student at the Niger Delta University, Amassoma. This arrest was made possible by the command's Violent Crime Response Unit, which responded to a distress call regarding a group of young men attacking the student at a hotel located on Mike Okokpo Street in Yenagoa.

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The incident in question occurred at approximately 10 p.m. on July 14, 2026, according to DSP Musa Mohammed, the Police Public Relations Officer, who issued a statement on Saturday.

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Following a tip from a concerned citizen, operatives attached to the Violent Crime Response Unit sprang into action after learning that a group of eight young men, suspected to be cultists, had ganged up on Prince Hansen within the hotel premises, causing him serious bodily harm over an alleged debt of N70,000.

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The suspects, identified by Mohammed, include Desmond Linus, 20; Richman Serbokuro, 21; Plain Lion, 19; Richman Joel, 20; Solomon Damian, 23; Destiny Serbokuro, 24; Isaac Goodnews, 22; and Theresa Francis, 22.

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Six of the suspects are students of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, as revealed by the police spokesman.

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A search of the suspects yielded exhibits such as a substance believed to be Indian hemp, Swinol, and charms, which were recovered from them.

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According to Mohammed, the investigation is still ongoing, and the suspects will be prosecuted once the investigation is complete.

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The command's resolve to tackle cultism and other violent crimes in the state was reiterated by Mohammed, who emphasized the importance of combating these issues.

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The police command encourages the public to continue providing timely and credible information to help enhance public safety and security, as stated by Mohammed.