Ndudi Anyim
Five suspected cultists have been arrested for the brutal murder of one Abowa Osawe, at Shell Road, Sapele, Delta State.
The suspects, Timothy Clark, 27, Patrick Mbuk, 29, Gift Omofeye, 26, Ogburang Ibe, 31, and Onyekachi Amadike, 24, were arrested by operatives of the Sapele Police Division.
Speaking on the arrest, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), DSP Edafe Bright said the Divisional Police officer, Harrison Nwabuisi, a Chief Superintendent of Police, (CSP), had on receiving information on the attack, quickly mobilized men to the scene, and commenced investigation.
Edafe said: “ With the combined effort of the Police and vigilante, five suspects were arrested in connection to the murder. On interrogation, confessional statement of the suspects led to the arrest of one Andrew, alias Pounds, who has been a notorious cultist, terrorizing Sapele before now.
“ A yellow cult regalia, one locally made pistol and two cartridges were recovered from him. The vehicle used in the dastardly act, a red Toyota Camry with reg no AAA409 GL was recovered, suspect confessed to be a member of Aiye Cult. Investigation is in progress. ”
In another development, Police attached to ‘A’ Division Warri, have arrested one Monday Akpako, a cannabis dealer, during a raid of black spot at Ubeji community.
“ Some suspects were captured in a recorded video comfortably selling suspected weeds believed to be cannabis sativa. Considering the aggressive and violent nature and resistance of the community youths against Police effecting arrest, a formidable operational plan was drawn by the divisional police officer, T.Y Mahmud, a Chief Superintendent of Police, (CSP).
“ The operatives stormed the black spot on record time despite the community youths resistance and attack on Police through sporadic gun shots and pelting of stones. Policemen through courage and resilience were able to arrest one Monday Akpako ‘m’ who is the principal suspect and has confessed to be a major dealer in cannabis. Investigation is ongoing,” the PPRO said.
Also Edafe added that the Divisional Police Officer, (DPO), Ovwian Aladja Division, acting on a tip off that four armed men were robbing road users along Ovwian Express Junction – Udu Road, mobilized patrol team in conjunction with local vigilante to the scene.
“ The hoodlums on sighting the patrol team opened fire on the team, the team returned the fire and gunned down one of the hoodlums while others escaped.
“ One locally made double barrel pistol with two cartridges was recovered. Manhunt for the other suspects is ongoing,” he said.
He said the command will continue to clamp down on cultism because if the rate of cultism is reduced, crime will also reduce drastically.
