Police Probe Murder of Man, Cult Clashes In Imo

A 22-year-old man, Bright Adiene, has been arrested by the Imo State Police Command for alleged cult-related murder of Nnamdi Okeke in Owerri on Saturday.

The spokesperson for Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, disclosed the death of Okeke following suspected cult-related clashes in Owerri.

According to him, Adiene was arrested following the death of Okeke, adding that investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all those involved.

He added that the state police commissioner, Audu Bosso, yesterday held a strategic security meeting with area commanders, divisional police officers (DPOs), and tactical team commanders to assess the security situation and strengthen operational strategies across the state.

He disclosed that operational commanders had been directed to intensify intelligence-led operations, conduct targeted raids on identified criminal hideouts, strengthen patrols in security hotspots and respond promptly to emerging threats.

The statement read, “The Imo State Police Command has arrested Bright Adiene, 22, allegedly connected with the suspected cult-related murder of Mr Okeke Nnamdi in Owerri, which was reported on 17 October 2026.

“The suspect is currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend one Anyima, who is also connected with the incident. Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all those involved.

“In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, psc(+), mnips, convened a strategic security meeting on 18 October 2026 with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and Tactical Team Commanders to assess the security situation and strengthen operational strategies across the state”.

Okoye said following the meeting, operational commanders had been directed to intensify intelligence-led operations, conduct targeted raids on identified criminal hideouts, strengthen patrols in security hotspots, and respond promptly to emerging threats.

Meanwhile, the Imo Police boss had also directed closer collaboration with community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering and prevent further violence.

He called on parents and guardians to monitor their children’s activities and associations, discourage involvement in cultism, and promptly report relevant information to security agencies.

Already, the Imo Police boss has warned that anyone found to be involved in cult-related violence would face the full consequences of the law.

The Imo State Police Command called on residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, and to provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations and other security operations. It also appealed to the public to report useful information to the nearest police station or call 0803 477 3600.

It was gathered that a cult leader was recently killed in Owerri by a rival group, an action that forced the group to seek a vendetta from their now-perceived enemy.