The Police Command in Rivers State has arrested a suspected leader of an unnamed cult group alleged to have been involved in numerous criminal activities across the state.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, disclosed this to journalists on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
According to Iringe-Koko, the suspect, identified as Innocent Chigozie, 35, was apprehended by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) during a raid on his hideout in Okahia community, Etche Local Government Area.
“Chigozie is the leader of a cult gang that has been terrorising farmlands along Uzo Afor Road in Okahia community, Elele,” Iringe-Koko said.
She explained that the gang’s activities had caused widespread panic and tension in the area before Chigozie’s arrest.
“Chigozie, a notorious cultist and armed robbery suspect, was arrested on Jan. 30 at about 6:30 a.m. from his hideout following coordinated intelligence,” she added.
Iringe-Koko revealed that the gang had previously engaged police operatives in a gun duel in 2024, which eventually led to the suspect’s capture.
During the raid, the police spokesperson said that officers reportedly recovered an Automatic Pump Action rifle and two live cartridges.
“The suspect and exhibits are currently in our custody, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover their operational weapons,” Iringe-Koko concluded.
