Law enforcement detains 17 alleged cult members, seizes illicit substances in Anambra

Operatives from the Nigeria Police Force's Violent Crime Response Unit in Anambra State have taken 17 male suspects into custody, allegedly in connection with cult-related activities and other acts deemed harmful to public morality.

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These arrests were made possible by credible information, which led the police to a hideout in Awka, according to the state's Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this information on Sunday.

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A search of the suspects yielded various items, including dried leaves believed to be Cannabis Sativa, containers of petroleum jelly, condoms, and other relevant exhibits that will aid in the ongoing investigation.

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The list of suspects includes 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.

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Other suspects in custody are Omalico Eric, 23, Duru Ifeanyi, 23, Diamond Zikora, 26, Charles Chukwuma, 28, Ikem Vincent, 20, Okeke Chibuzo, 23, and Izunna Okoye, 24, according to the Police Public Relations Officer.

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Preliminary questioning of the suspects has revealed their affiliation with the Vikings Confraternity, also known as the "Bagger" cult group, and the investigation is also looking into allegations of unlawful and immoral activities at the location, Ikenga stated.

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The police command, under the leadership of the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has launched a thorough investigation into the matter to determine the extent of the suspects' involvement in cult-related activities and other possible crimes.

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CP Ikioye Orutugu has reaffirmed that cultism, drug abuse, and all forms of criminality that undermine public peace and societal values will not be tolerated in Anambra State, in response to the development.