Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Nigeria Police Force in Anambra State have arrested 17 male suspects allegedly linked to cult-related activities and other acts considered inimical to public morality.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Tochukwu Ikenga, said on Sunday that acting on credible information, the suspects were traced to a hideout in Awka where they were apprehended.

According to the PPRO, items recovered from them include some dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, containers of petroleum jelly, condoms, and other exhibits considered relevant to the ongoing investigation.

He listed the suspects to include Okeke Ugochukwu, 28 years; 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.

Others are Omalico Eric, 23; Duru Ifeanyi, 23; Diamond Zikora, 26; Charles Chukwuma, 28; Ikem Vincent, 20; Okeke Chibuzo, 23; and Izunna Okoye, 24.

He said that preliminary interrogation of the suspects revealed their affiliation with the Vikings Confraternity, a cult group also known as “Bagger”.

“The investigation is also extending to allegations of unlawful and immoral activities reportedly carried out at the location”, Ikenga stated.

He added that the command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the matter to ascertain the extent of the involvement of the suspects in cult-related activities and other possible criminal offences.

Reacting on the development, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reiterated that cultism, drug abuse, and all forms of criminality or acts capable of undermining public peace and societal values, will not be tolerated in Anambra State. (Vanguard)