Police Dismantle Violent Cult Network In Rivers, Arrest 8

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command, have dismantled a violent cult network in Diobu, a densely populated area in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The operatives also arrested eight suspects believed to be members of Blood Suckers (BS) and D12 factions of the notorious Deygbam secret cult group as well as recovered several illegal weapons.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, said inter-rival cult clash between the two factions, which erupted in May 2025 claimed multiple lives, and had instilled widespread fear in the community.

“The Rivers State Police Command provides a progress update on a significant escalation into the investigation and fight against organized crime, following a series of operations targeting a deadly inter-rival cult clash between the Blood Suckers (BS) and D12 factions of the notorious DEYGBAM secret cult group in Diobu, Port- Harcourt.

“The violence, which erupted in May 2025 and claimed multiple lives, had instilled widespread fear in the Community.

Through relentless efforts, the Police Operatives have neutralized key suspects, recovered several illegal weapons, and restored calm to the area.

Suspects arrested are: Diepreye Gogo-Abite ‘m’ 43yrs, Godsfollow Monday ‘m’ 30yrs, Ifeanyi Sampson ‘m’ 28yrs, Gift Emmanuel ‘m’ 28yrs,

Friday Godwin ‘m’ 24yrs,

Chukwemeka Dike ‘m’ 31yrs, Brown Otu ‘m’ 23yrs and Dieseyi Ukulu ‘m’ 43yrs

“Exhibits Recovered from the suspects include: One Scorpion VZ61 submachine gun, One fabricated English-made Beretta pistol, 20 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, Two rounds of 9mm live ammunition and One pair of screwdriver (sunglasses)

“These weapons were concealed in a black bag at Ukulu’s residence and were uncovered after his confession.

“Chidiebere Nwaiwu, a.k.a Daddy, was arrested on August 26, 2025, as the group’s Chief armourer involved in gunrunning. He

died in the hospital on August 27, 2025, after falling ill. His remains are preserved in the mortuary for autopsy.

“Before his arrest, Daddy had planned an ambush to kill Police operatives posted on special duty in Rumuosi/Rumuagholu axis over a land dispute, collaborating with Michael Ejike a.k.a Effizy and Clinton Anwusor.

“Michael Ejike was arrested on September 16, 2025, in Imo State where he had run into hidings. During interrogation, he confessed to removing the weapons from Daddy’s home via his sister on the specific instructions of Ugochukwu Ukeagbu a.k.a Ugo King, leader of the Blood Suckers.

“Efforts to recover more arms, arrest and dismantle other cult networks are ongoing. The Command’s temporary silence on the investigation was strategic to prevent escalation and apprehend potential accomplices.

“The suspects are currently facing prosecution in court, while the additional suspect, Michael Ejike and Clinton Anwusor will face prosecution upon completion of a thorough investigation,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, has commended the diligence and bravery of the Police operatives in these daring operations, encouraging them to maintain this high standards of competence in the fight against crime in all its manifestations.

Adepoju noted that these arrests have restored peace to Diobu and the state at large and commended community cooperation and urged for vigilance.