Police arrest 8 cultists, recover high-calibre weapons in Rivers

By Davies Iheamnachor

Port Harcourt: Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have dismantled a network of cultists terrorizing Diobu in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, arresting eight key suspects.

The arrests follow intensified police efforts to curb rising cult activities that had created panic in the area. Investigations revealed ongoing inter-faction clashes between the Blood Suckers (BS) and D12 factions of the DEYGBAM secret cult group in Diobu.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, said that through sustained operations, the police neutralized the suspects, recovered illegal weapons, and restored calm.

The arrested suspects are:

Diepreye Gogo-Abite, 43

Godsfollow Monday, 30

Ifeanyi Sampson, 28

Gift Emmanuel, 28

Friday Godwin, 24

Chukwemeka Dike, 31

Brown Otu, 23

Dieseyi Ukulu, 43

Recovered items include:

One Scorpion VZ61 submachine gun

One fabricated English-made Beretta pistol

20 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition

2 rounds of 9mm live ammunition

One pair of screwdrivers disguised as sunglasses

Superintendent Iringe-Koko explained that the weapons were concealed in a black bag at Ukulu’s residence and were recovered following his confession.

Earlier, Chidiebere Nwaiwu, alias “Daddy,” the group’s chief armourer involved in gunrunning, was arrested on August 26, 2025, and died in hospital the following day. Prior to his arrest, Daddy had planned an ambush on police operatives along the Rumuosi/Rumuagholu axis over a land dispute, in collaboration with Michael Ejike, alias “Effizy,” and Clinton Anwusor.

Michael Ejike was arrested on September 16, 2025, in Imo State after hiding. During interrogation, he confessed to moving weapons from Daddy’s residence under instructions from Ugochukwu Ukeagbu, alias “Ugo King,” leader of the Blood Suckers faction.

Efforts to recover additional arms and dismantle other cult networks remain ongoing. The command noted that its temporary silence on the investigation was strategic to prevent escalation and apprehend potential accomplices.

The eight suspects are currently facing prosecution in court, while Michael Ejike and Clinton Anwusor will face charges upon the completion of further investigations.

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