RismadarVoice Reporters, May 25, 2026
Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested 17 suspects during a raid on an alleged cult hideout in Awka, recovering substances suspected to be hard drugs and other incriminating items.
The operation, carried out by officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in the early hours of Saturday, followed what the police described as credible intelligence on cult-related and other unlawful activities in the area.
Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said preliminary investigations linked the suspects to the Vikings Confraternity, popularly known as “Bagger.”
Items recovered during the raid include dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, condoms, petroleum jelly and other exhibits now undergoing forensic and investigative examination.
The suspects arrested are 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; 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.
According to the police, investigations are ongoing to determine the level of involvement of the suspects in cultism and other alleged criminal offences.
Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, warned that the command would sustain its crackdown on cultism, drug abuse and activities capable of threatening public peace in the state.
“The command will not tolerate any form of criminality capable of undermining societal values and public safety,” the police commissioner stated.
Police said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
