Rivers: We Arrested Suspected Cultists, Not Atiku Supporters – Police

The Rivers State Police Command has said that its operatives arrested 32 suspected cultists and not supporters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, or that of any political party.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the Ztate, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement made available to journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday, said the suspects were arrested during raid on blackspots in the State capital.

LEADERSHIP earlier reported that the Police Command arraigned 21 persons before a Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The suspects were said to be loyalists of Atiku and were allegedly arrested for illegal political gathering in Port Harcourt.

But, the Police Command in the statement said: “The Rivers State Police Command on 5th February 2023 at about 1.30 pm arrested Thirty-two (32) persons from two hideouts in connection with suspected cult-related activities.

“The arrest is not related to any political meeting. Those arrested are presently being profiled and twelve (12) of them have already been released.

“Lately, because of the incidents of cult clashes, the Police Command has carried out targeted raids of criminal hideouts in Rivers State.

“All others found to be clean will be released soonest while those found guilty to be charged in court.”