Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have apprehended eight notorious cult members and recovered dangerous weapons from them.

State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), disclosed this in a statement she released in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

The suspects, all male, were Diepreye Gogo-Abite (43), Godsfollow Monday (30), Ifeanyi Sampson (28), Gift Emmanuel (28), Friday Godwin (24), Chukwemeka Dike (31), Brown Otu (23) and Dieseyi Ukulu (43).

The PPRO said the gang was a violent cult network operating in Diobu axis of Port Harcourt, the state capital.

She stated: “The Rivers State Police Command provides a progress update on a significant escalation into the investigation and fight against organised crime, following a series of operations targeting a deadly inter-rival cult clash between the Blood Suckers (BS) and D12 factions of the notorious Deygbam secret cult group in Diobu, Port Harcourt.”

According to her, the violence, which erupted in May 2025 and claimed multiple lives, had instilled widespread fear in the community.

The Command’s spokesperson disclosed that through relentless efforts, the police operatives neutralised key suspects, recovered several illegal weapons and restored calm to the area.

The items recovered from the suspects included: one Scorpion VZ61 submachine gun, a fabricated English-made Beretta pistol, 20 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, two rounds of 9mm live ammunition and a pair of screwdriver sunglasses.

She stated that the weapons were concealed in a black bag at Ukulu’s (suspect) residence and were uncovered after his confession.

Iringe-Koko further explained: “Chidiebere Nwaiwu, a.k.a Daddy, was arrested on 26 August 2025, as the group’s chief armourer involved in gunrunning. He died in the hospital on 27 August 2025, after falling ill. His remains are preserved in the mortuary for autopsy.

“Before his arrest, Daddy had planned an ambush to kill police operatives posted on special duty in Rumuosi/Rumuagholu axis over a land dispute, collaborating with Michael Ejike a.k.a Effizy and Clinton Anwusor.

“Michael Ejike was arrested on 16 September 2025, in Imo State where he had run into hiding. During interrogation, he confessed to removing the weapons from Daddy’s home via his sister on the specific instructions of Ugochukwu Ukeagbu a.k.a Ugo King, leader of the Blood Suckers. Efforts to recover more arms, arrest and dismantle other cult networks are ongoing.”

According to the PPRO, the Command’s temporary silence on the investigation was strategic to prevent escalation and apprehend potential accomplices.

She informed that the suspects are currently facing prosecution in court, while the additional suspects, Michael Ejike and Clinton Anwusor, will face prosecution upon completion of a thorough investigation.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has commended the diligence and bravery of the police operatives in those daring operations.

He encouraged them to maintain this high standard of competence in the fight against crime in all its manifestations.

The CP noted that these arrests have restored peace to Diobu and the state at large and also commended the community for cooperation and urged vigilance. (SUN)