Police Arrest 7 Suspected Cultists Over Killing Of Lawyer In Rivers

Operatives of Rivers State Police Command have arrested seven suspected cultists over their involvement in the murder of a Port Harcourt-based legal practitioner, Bright Owhor.

The 46-year-old lawyer was murdered by unidentified gunmen on July 6, 2025, along Market Road in the Rumuomasi area of the state capital.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement in Port Harcourt on Monday, said all the suspects were members of a notorious street cult group called Deygbam.

Iringe-Koko gave the names of the suspects as Prince Samuel ‘m’ 30 years; Daniel Godwin ‘m’ 25 years; Henry Peter ‘m’ 24 years and Godfrey Emmanuel ‘m’ a.k.a. Ibu 30 years, who is the gang leader.

Others are Chukwu Nneji ‘m’ 34 years; Justice Dimkpa ‘m’ 27 years and Promise Wikere ‘m’ 22 years.

Police explained that following the tragic killing of Owhor on July 6, 2025, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit were deployed to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Through meticulous intelligence work and technical surveillance over ten days, all individuals involved in the crime were identified and apprehended.

“They include: Prince Samuel ‘m’ 30 years– armed operative, Daniel Godwin ‘m’ 25 years – driver of the getaway vehicle, Henry Peter ‘m’ 24 years – arm supplier, and he was the one that shot the victim.

“Others are Godfrey Emmanuel ‘m’ a.k.a. Ibu 30 years – gang leader, Chukwu Nneji ‘m’ 34 years, Justice Dimkpa ‘m’ 27 years, Promise Wikere ‘m’ 22 years – handler of stolen vehicles,” the PPRO said.

Iringe-Koko disclosed that the suspects confessed to being members of the Deygbam Secret Cult Group during interrogation. “They admitted to their roles in the murder, the withdrawal of funds from the victim’s bank account, and involvement in recent cult-related violence between BS and G12 Deygbam factions in Diobu, Port Harcourt.”

She listed items recovered as exhibits from the suspects to include one MTN SIM card, four locally-made pistols, seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, two live cartridges, one Mini Bus and one Toyota Camry.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju has commended the operational prowess of the operatives, saying that the feat underscores the commitment of the Command to the safety and security of all residents.

“These operations reflect a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks and ensure public confidence in law enforcement,” Adepoju said.