Anambra Police Dislodge Cult Members during Initiation, Arrest 19

Anambra State Police Command operatives have arrested 19 suspected members of a cult group during an alleged initiation exercise in the state.

The cultists were allegedly holding an initiation ceremony for new members when the men of the command, acting on a tipoff, swooped on them.

The state Police spokesperson, SP Haruna Mohammed, who disclosed this in a statement to journalists, said dangerous weapons were also recovered from the suspects.

He said: "On May 12 at about 12:45a.m, following credible intelligence report that some suspected cultists were initiating new members into their secret cult group at Ukulu forest in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, police operatives, comprising Special Anti-Cult unit and operation Puff Adder stormed the bush and arrested 15 male suspects who were allegedly undergoing initiation into Aye confraternity.

"Exhibits recovered at the scene included regalia of Aye secret cult, drum and charms of different categories; four knives and empty shell of expended cartridge.

In a related development, still on the same date at about 04:45a.m., similar exercise also took place at Mbaukwu in Awka South LGA where four male suspects were equally arrested and exhibits, including one dagger, one axe, charms and substance suspected to be cannabis sativa, were recovered.

The state police spokesman said: "Meanwhile, all the suspects confessed to being members of Aye confraternity secret cult.

"Furthermore, one Anene Chekwube, 24, a notorious cultist who specialises in burglary/stealing, was also arrested at Mbaukwu and motorcycle spare parts were recovered from him.

"Suspect confessed that he burgled a shop at Ezinifite/Osumenyi in Nnewi South LGA same date at about 06:45a.m. and stole the items.

"Consequently, 12 other notorious male suspected cultists were arrested from their hideouts at various locations and they all confessed belonging to SVC secret cult group. All cases are still under investigation after which the suspects would be charged to court for prosecution."