The Anambra state police command has arrested a suspected cult member linked to a series of violent crimes in Oko area in Orumba north LGA.
Operatives from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Awkuzu apprehended Chukwujekwu Okoye, a 25-year-old, also known as Bus-Stop, on July 7.
According to Tochukwu Ikenga, police spokesperson in Anambra, the arrest follows incidents in May and June that involved the injury of two people, the murder of two others, and the abduction of two victims who were later released after ransom payments.
Ikenga said the attacks occurred at Total junction and Tipper junction in Oko.
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He said during the arrest, police recovered an automatic pump-action gun and two mobile phones from the suspended criminal.
The state police spokesperson claimed the suspect confessed to being an active member of the Aye confraternity, holding the rank of “Lord”.
He alleged the suspect revealed plans for an initiation ceremony and a cult rivalry attack that took place on July 7, adding that he also admitted involvement in an attack on Oko on June 19 alongside six other gang members.
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Ikenga added that police have launched operations to apprehend other members of the gang as part of efforts to dismantle the criminal network in the state.
The police command promised to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
Last month, Ikioye Orutugu, the Anambra commissioner of police, ordered heightened security around Oko Polytechnic over the recent killings and abductions in the area.
Orutugu called for increased collaboration from residents and students in exposing the criminals responsible for the violence.
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