TheCable

The police command in Rivers has arrested a notorious cultist over the spate of cult-related attacks and killings in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson, on Tuesday, said operatives seized Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), arms and ammunition from the cultists’ hideout in the state.

She said the command’s C4i strike force, in collaboration with the local vigilante group, arrested one Samuel Nwokoma, a suspected notorious cultist “disrupting the peace of the state”.

“The arrest and seizures mark significant progress in addressing the recent wave of cult-related attacks and killings in Diobu,” she said.

“The arrest of Nwokoma, 25, a member of the notorious Blood Star cult group, took place on March 17 around 7 a.m., following credible intelligence.

“Nwokoma has been linked to several cult-related killings within the Diobu area of Port Harcourt.”

The spokesperson said investigators were able to extract a confession regarding his alleged involvement in two cult-related attacks in the area.

“On March 14 at about 8:30 p.m. the suspect, along with his gang, attacked and fatally shot Ede Sunday, 32, at Nanka street by Lumumba in Diobu,” she said.

“Similarly, on March 16, the gang also shot George Johnson, 28, in the chest at Ojoto street by Emenike in the same area.

“Despite receiving immediate medical attention at New Mile One Clinic, Johnson tragically succumbed to his injuries.”

Iringe-Koko said following his concession, the arrested cultist led police officers to his gang’s hideout at Ogwu Waterside in Diobu where arms and ammunition were recovered. 

“Officers proceeded to search the hideout and recovered three AK-47 rifles, one assault rifle, six AK-47 magazines, one Beretta pistol and 274 rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition,” she added.

“Additionally, 105 rounds of 6.55 live ammunition, nine rounds of .9mm ammunition, seven packets of IEDs, one long wire used for detonating explosives and various charms were recovered.”