Police Arrest Suspected Cultists, Gun Runners in Delta
The Delta State Police Command has dismantled two criminal networks involved in cultism and illegal arms dealing, arresting several suspects and seizing multiple firearms in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.
Police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the successful operations were part of the Command’s intensified crackdown on violent crime.
According to Edafe, the first operation began on October 25, when a resident of Aviara community in Oleh Division alerted the police about a viral WhatsApp video showing suspected members of the Eiye confraternity engaged in cult activity.
“Following discreet investigations, operatives arrested one Donatus Odovo, 29, from Aviara community,” Edafe said. “Further intelligence led to the arrest of another suspect, Zachariah Okeh, 36, alleged to be an Eiye cult leader in the area.”
During a search of Okeh’s residence, police recovered one locally made double-barrelled gun, one single-barrelled gun, and six live cartridges. Both suspects, Edafe said, are in custody as investigations continue to track other members of the group.
In a separate operation on October 27, Rapid Response Squad operatives on stop-and-search duty along the Asaba–Benin Expressway intercepted a Toyota RAV4 driven by 45-year-old Mordi Emmanuel.
During the inspection, officers found a fabricated Beretta pistol with four live rounds concealed in an envelope inside the vehicle. A subsequent search of the suspect’s residence in Asaba led to the recovery of a pump-action shotgun and additional live cartridges.
The suspect and the seized weapons are currently in custody, Edafe confirmed.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the swift response of the officers and the vigilance of residents who provided useful intelligence.
He reiterated the Command’s “zero tolerance for cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and illegal possession of firearms,” stressing that community cooperation remains vital to sustaining peace and safety across Delta State.
Abaniwonda also urged citizens to stay alert and report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies, assuring that all credible information would be treated with confidentiality and prompt action.
