- Arrest 7, declares “Baby” wanted
From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
In what looks like a quick response to incessant cult-related killings in Awka, Anambra state capital, Anambra State police command has arrested seven suspected cultists and declared one Baby wanted for cult activities.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, made available to Sun, the suspects were arrested during a police sting operation at their hideouts.
According to him, the gang members were arrested at about 10 pm on Friday when the officers swooped on them and a cut-size double barrel gun, one tricycle without registration number plate, and some hard drugs were recovered from the gang.
SP Ikenga further gave the names of suspects as Chukwuemka Ozoekwe (aged 18), Chidozie Anagor (aged 18) Chukwuemeka Oyeoka (aged 18), Ebuka Okoye (aged 17), Olisa Obi (aged 19), Chidubem Nwakwu (aged 20), and Nwankwo Kosisochukwu, all males,”
He also stated that the Command has declared one Makuo Nwosu (popularly known as Baby) and two other persons wanted in connection to cult activities.
“Police attached to Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SPACS), while on patrol at UNIZIK Junction, intercepted all males and five occupants, including the driver of a tricycle.
“While the operatives were in a bid to question them, the occupants took to their heels. While the others escaped, Chukwuemka Ozoekwe was arrested.
“Ozoekwe later led the Police to their criminal den where Chidozie Anagor (aged 18 years), and Chukwuemeka Oyeoka (aged 18 years) were arrested, and the remaining two are still at large.
“Also, during the raid operation in their harbour, the operatives arrested Ebuka Okoye (17 years), Olisa Obi (19 years), Chidubem Nwakwu (20 years), and Nwankwo Kosisochukwu.”
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of the Vipers Cult group, and they are one of the gangs terrorizing Awka metropolis recently. The suspects also confessed that they were on a mission to rob the road users of their phones and personal belongings before the arrest.
“To this end, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration and acting Commissioner of Police, DCP Fidelis Ogarabe charged the Operatives to sustain the tempo in the fight against crime in the state.
“He also assured Ndi Anambra that the confidence reposed on the Police and all the security agencies in the State shall not be taken for granted, and directed that the suspects be charged to court on the conclusion of the investigations.”
It will be recalled that no fewer than 14 persons have been killed in cult-related clashes within Awka in 2024.