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Tag: cultist

  • Police arrest suspected cultist, robbery kingpin

    The police have arrested a man believed to be a notorious cultist and armed robbery kingpin.

    Segun Kazeem alias No Case was arrested following information by his younger brother, Femi, who was caught attacking a woman at Ejigbo on August 30.

    Femi was said to have used a gun-like stick to dispossess his victim of her hand bag and  other belongings before he was apprehended.

    Based on his information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Olabisi Okuwobi, led a team of detectives to arrest No Case, at a Secondary school where he attempted to snatch Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) machines.

    The police were said to have conducted a search at Kazeem’s residence, where a locally-made pistol and two extended cartridges were discovered in the ceiling. Substances suspected to be Marijuana were recovered.

    It was learnt that the police were under pressure to release the suspects. Sources said one of those who went to the station to bail Kazeem was also arrested.

    “They confessed to be part of the gang that usually rob people early in the morning and late in the evening. They equally confessed to have killed in the past and very recently at Egbe.

    “They mentioned numerous names of their gang members including the ones that have guns as well as their spiritual head who is an OPC leader.”

    Police spokesman Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent (CSP) yesterday said investigation was ongoing.

  • Police arrest 19 suspected cultists in Badagry

    The police on Wednesday said they had arrested 19 suspected cultists in Imeke, a suburb of Badagry, Lagos State.

    SP Samson Akhiromen, the Divisional Police Officer, (DPO) in Badagry, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday.

    Akhiromen said that the suspects were arrested at about 11 p.m. on July 27 when the suspects were having a meeting to carry out their nefarious activities.

    According to him, a reliable source from the city gave useful information that led to the arrest of 18 males and one femalefemale suspects.

    The DPO, who led the team of policemen that arrested the suspects, said they were caught with two machetes, nine mobile phones and charms.

    “We got information from a reliable member of the public that some cult members were meeting in Imeke area.

    “I led a team of officers under my division to the place and 19 suspected cultists were arrested.

    “Although they denied being cult members, they said they were traditional worshippers known as `Ogun worshippers’.

    “But their members who had renounced membership recently identified them and they were subsequently arrested immediately,” he said.

    Akhiromen said that the case had been transferred to the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, for further investigation.

    He urged members of the public to always provide the police with useful information on the activities of criminal elements in the society.

    He added that with such information, communities would be free from criminals and cultists.

  • Offa Poly suspends two students for alleged cultism

    Management of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Offa local government of Kwara state said it has suspended two students of the institution suspected to be cult members.

    The names of the students include Tajudeen Selim and Temitope Omotosho.

    The state police command had early in the week paraded some students of the polytechnic for alleged involvement in cult activities.

    Management added that before the students were paraded by the police, it reported the incidence of forceful initiation to security agencies based on the complaint lodged by the student who was forcefully initiated.

    In a statement, polytechnic spokesperson Olayinka Aroye said the police’s quick response and intervention was responsible for the arrest.

    Mr. Aroye said: “The two suspected students were suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of the police investigation and further findings on the matter.

    Adewusi Vincent who was mentioned along with the two had ceased to be a student of the institution having been withdrawn from the Polytechnic since 2017 for poor performance.

    “The management wishes to state unequivocally that cases of cultism have been a thing of past in the institution as the new management under Dr. Lateef Ademola Olatunji had purged the institution of all forms of cultism, gangsterism and other anti social vices since he came on board as Rector in 2017.

    “Other offences such as examination malpractices, sexual harassment are also gross misconduct at the Polytechnic which attract outright expulsion from the institution. Students found culpable are equally handed over to the law enforcement agents for prosecution.

    “The management, through its directorate of students’ affairs has put a lot of measures in place to checkmate cultism with the introduction of the use of security form for newly admitted students; regular sensitization of students where they are admonished to steer clear of cultism, hooliganism and other forms of social menace.

    “And that they should be of good conduct everywhere they are in order to ensuring peaceful co-existence within and outside the polytechnic campuses and maintaining harmonious relationship with other colleagues and the host communities.

    Since then, the students union executives and other students have been well behaved and have not been found wanting both in character and
    learning.

    It is on record that the Polytechnic enjoys a serene atmosphere, peace and tranquility than ever before.

    “It was likely because of the institution’s zero tolerance for cultism and stern sanctions on offenders who contravene and breach the rule that led the suspects to have taken themselves outside Offa to perpetrate the acts.”

  • Suspected cultist ‘threatens’ woman for refusing him sex

    A self-styled fashion designer, Akeem Lawal, 35, yesterday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly threatening the life of a woman for refusing sex.

    Lawal, who lives at 65, Olorunshogo Street, Mushin, is standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, membership of an unlawful society and threat to life.

    Prosecuting Inspector Benson Emuerhi said the accused vowed to kill Miss Dooshima Williams if she would not succumb to his sex request.

    Lawal, he said, committed the offences at 10p.m. on May 12 at Block 5, Olusegun Olusemo Street, Parkview, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The accused, he said, conspired with others still at large to commit the offences.

    “The accused threatened to kill the complainant the way he and his cult members murdered one Farabale in Abuja,” he told the court.

    He added that Lawal belonged to three secret cults – Vikings, Aye and Aberaye.

    According to the prosecutor, the police have received several reports that the accused is a member of an unlawful society.

    Chief Magistrate O. Sule-Amzat granted the accused N20,000 bail, with two sureties in the like sum.

    She adjourned till July 30.

  • Police parade eight suspected cultists for murder

    Police in Ebonyi state have paraded 8 persons who allegedly killed one Anselem Omah at Onu-Orie Umuoghara Ezaangbo, Ohaukwu local government area on Wednesday.

    The Nation had earlier reported how the 32 years old Mr Omah and another person identified simply as Paul was killed in cult clashes in the area.

    Parading the suspects at the State Headquarters of the Police in Abakaliki, spokesman of the command, Loveth Odah said the suspects also robbed other innocent citizens of their belongings.

    “One English berretta pistol, one live cartridge, 10 loive ammunition, one Volkswagen car, one long machete and substance suspected to be charm were recovered from them”

    She added that they have also confessed to the crime.

    Odah, an Assistant Superintendent of Police also paraded 5 suspects involved in the kidnap and attempted murder of top business mogul and owner of popular Monabliss hotel in Abakaliki, Monday Udoka Oke.

    The spokesman said the six man gang led by one Ikpuecha Chinonso Desmond first attacked one Ikwuobe Odeh Samuel at his residence No 10 Ofor Street Abakaliki, kidnapped him and his friend in his Toyota Highlander Jeep with Reg No. MKD 421 TS and whisked him to a nearby bush at Azugwu Onuebonyi in Abakaliki.

    “After robbing them of some cash and other valuables including phones and laptops, the gang blindfolded them and kept them hostage after which they proceeded with the said highlander jeep to kidnap Mr Oke”, she said

    According to the police, one hour later at about 11 pm, the gang double crossed Mr Monday Oke as he left his Hotel, located at 95 Nnorom Street Abakaliki kidnapped him in his Honda car and took him to Onuebonyi River

    Once there, they proceeded to rob him of a cash sum pof N200,000 in his possession and other valuables such as gold necklace, hand bangle, belt, ring, shoe, wrist watch, hand bag, iphpone8plus and Samsung galaxy edge plus phones.

    Odah said the kidnappers then took his phone and transferred various large sums of money to their respective bank accounts which total amounted to N5.2m.

    After robbing him, “Mr Monday Udoka was shot and pushed into the river by the gang believing that he is dead while the first victims Mr Samuel and friend were released unhurt”

    On receiving the news, Odah said the command immediately commenced intelligence led investigation which took its operatives to Enugu/Nsukka where five of the gang members were arrested.

    Read Also: Two killed in Ebonyi rival cult clashes

    She gave the names of the five arrested members as: Ikpuecha Chinonso Desmiond, 32 years, Uguru Okechukwu 22 yrs, Nnaemeka Nwinya, 32 yrs, Igwe Ekene 28 yrs and the only female member of the gang, Loveth Okpara Nnenna, 26 yrs.

    Mrs Odah further said that the command arrested one Awoke Ikechukwu also known as ‘IK Dokpor’, a prime suspect in the robbery and murder of one Michael Nwodom at Afikpo street Abakaliki on July last year.

    Recovered from the suspect are one barreta pistol with 10 lives 9mm ammunition and the phone of the deceased.

    The spokesman said the police also arrested one Oken Chimezie with one revolver pistol in his tricycle along G-hostel Abakaliki whle the duo of Ifeanyi Onyibe and Nweke Joshua were arrested for unlawful possession of a revolver pistol, one axe and a machete at Ezillo junction Ishielu local government area.

    “One Nwabuike Nnabuike was arrested along No. 2 nsugbe Avenue Abakaliki who robbed one Ugochi Chukwu of her phone valued at N12,000 with constructed locally made pistol. The said gun and phone were recovered from him”, Odah said.

    “In the same vein, on 23rd March, One Friday Chibuike, 21yrs, was arrested at Umuoru Obode road Ezzangbo who robbed Igboke Ngozi and her son at gunpoint. One locally made single barrel short gun with one live catridge, four 6mm live ammunition and one dagger were recovered from him”, she added.

  • Suspected cultist remanded in Kirikiri Prison

    A 29-year-old man, Azeez Morouf, has been remanded in Kirikiri Prison for allegedly being a cultist.

    He will remain in prison custody until he meets his bail conditions.

    The police arraigned Morouf on a one-count charge before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly belonging to the Eiye Confraternity.

    Prosecuting Inspector Peter Nwagwu said Morouf was arrested on May 5 at Ogudu by some Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) officials.

    Azeez pleaded not guilty.

    Chief Magistrate Y.O. Aje Afunwa granted him N200,000 bail, with two sureties in the like sum.

    The case continues on  July 9.

     

  • ‘Cultist’ remanded for neighbour’s death

    A suspected member of Aiye cult, Adebayo Ahmed, was yesterday remanded at Ikoyi Prison for allegedly stabbing his neighbour, Samuel Owawu, to death.

    Ahmed was arraigned before Justice Olabisi Akinlade on a one count charge of murder.

    Ahmed was alleged to have stabbed Owawu to death with a broken bottle over a phone belonging to an alleged gay friend of the deceased.

    According to the State Prosecutor, Monisola Oshibogun, the incident occurred on the January 16, 2016 at Oyemekun Bus stop, in Ifako Ijaiye, a suburb of Lagos.

    She told the court that the deceased and his friend, Emeka Uche, invited a man identified as Francis to their house and he made sexual advances,  which were resisted.

    The prosecutor said the deceased raised the alarm and a crowd gathered at the residence and started beating the alleged gay man.

    She said it was at this point that Ahmed and some his friends, suspected to be members of the same cult group, started demanding for the release of the gay man’s phone.

    The deceased objected, insisting that the phone which had some videos showing Francis engaging in sexual acts with other men, would be tendered as evidence to the police.

    The prosecutor alleged that Ahmed engaged the deceased in a fight, and in the process he picked up a broken bottle and stabbed him in the chest.

    She said the deceased was rushed to the Ifako Ijaiye General Hospital where he later died.

    She said Ahmed was apprehended and handed over to the police.

    Justice Akinlade ordered that he be remanded in prison.

    She adjourned the matter till May 30 for trial.

  • Police arrest three cult members over killing of teenager

    Police arrest three cult members over killing of teenager

    The Police in Ebonyi have arrested three suspected members of a secret cult group over the death of one Michael Okoro, 19.

    Okoro, according to the Police, was killed at Oroko Onuoha in Abakaliki, the state capital by members of a rival cult group when the two groups clashed.

    Police spokesman in the state, Loveth Odah confirmed the incident to our Reporter.

    She said the victim was not, murdered but died from injuries he sustained after a clash between Junior Python and Black Pander cult groups.

    “Cult boys clashed at Oroke-Onuoha. The police swung into action and arrested about three of them. In the course of the clash, one person died”.

    “He was not murdered but he died during the cult clash. He resides in Kpirikpiri but he was not killed in Kpirikpiri. One person was injured and he later died. The suspects we arrested confessed that it was a cult clash. We have started investigating the matter”, she said.

    But the victim’s mother, Mrs Clara Okoro denied that his son is a member of a cult group in the state.

    Mrs Okoro in an interview at the family’s 3 Muoneke Street Abakaliki residence said the son worked at Cement factory at Nkalagu.

    She said though Michael was only 19 years, he had already become the breadwinner of the family.

    Read Also: Police arrest robbery suspect

    Mrs Okoro who was in a pensive mood while speaking to out reporter, said the victim was helping her to take care other three other siblings.

    “He returned from where he worked at a cement factory in Nkalagu. He brought money for the WAEC fee of his younger brother as he promised. I think it was because of the WAEC fee that he returned because they were paid that day”.

    “He gave me the money before going out to watch football match that evening. After several hours, he didn’t return even when it was time for our family dinner”.

    “So, in the morning, I went to pay the WAEC fee. When I returned, I still didn’t see him. I became more worried. It was somebody that approached me and told me that Samuel is dead.

    “I don’t know if he quarrelled with anyone because he does not live here but in Nkalagu community where he worked.”, Mrs Okoro said.

  • Suspected cultist beheaded in Delta

    Suspected cultist beheaded in Delta

    There was panic yesterday at Ogwashi-Uku, in Aniocha South Local Government of Delta State.

    A suspected cultist, identified as Ekene, was beheaded following a cult clash.

    Ogwashi-Uku has witnessed an upsurge in cult-related violence and arson. Hoodlums have set ablaze houses in the last few weeks.

    The Nation learnt that policemen from Ogwashi-Uku Police Division have arrested four youths for alleged complicity in the murder of Ekene.

    It was gathered that Ekene was allegedly killed by a gang of suspected cultists on a reprisal.

    A source said the deceased was repeatedly shot before he was killed with an axe at Agidiase quarters.

    The source said the murder of Ekene, who was alleged to be a member of Arubagger cult, was a fallout of an earlier fight between the group and Aye cult.

    Police spokesman Andrew Aniamaka confirmed the incident. He said he would give details, but did not do so last night.

  • Rivers massacre: Notorious cultist Don Waney, lieutenants killed

    Rivers massacre: Notorious cultist Don Waney, lieutenants killed

    A notorious cultist and  kidnapper Mr. Igwedibia Johnson, aka Don Waney, who has been on the run since he masterminded the New Year’s Day killing of 17 worshipers after crossover service in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State, has been killed.

    He was reported killed by soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), along with two of his lieutenants: Ikechukwu Adiele and Lucky Ode.

    The body of Johnson, Adiele and Ode were on Sunday morning displayed at the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, by the outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the division, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, who was accompanied by Rivers Director of DSS, Mr. Tosin Ajayi, and Rivers Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed.

    Udoh said: Intense surveillance activities on him (Johnson) and his gang by the DSS, Rivers State Command, revealed that after committing the atrocities, he relocated to a neighbourhood within Enugu Town in Enugu State, where he rented an apartment and started living among unsuspecting neighbours within the community.

    “From the relative safety of his newly-rented apartment, Don Waney was already perfecting plans to wrought another mayhem in Omoku, in which he was to attack churches, schools, army and police locations and the residences of the generality of the already-traumatised people of Omoku.

    “However, following his successful geo-location to his new Enugu neighbourhood hideout by the DSS, Rivers State Command, a combined team of troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu and personnel of DSS, Rivers State Command, raided the hideout to arrest him and his other accomplices.

    “Incidentally, on sensing that the combine team were closing in on his residence, Don Waney, his Second-in-Command (Ikechukwu Adiele) and another gang member (Lucky Ode) attempted to escape through the back exit of the apartment and were shot down by the eagle-eyed troops in the process. One of them died on the spot, while the other two, who sustained gunshot wounds, eventually died, while being evacuated for medical attention.

    “The remains of Don Waney and his cohorts were brought back to Port Harcourt by the combine team and handed over to the Rivers State Police Command, for further action.”

    While also speaking, Rivers police commissioner assured residents of the state of the safety of their lives and property, declaring that other members of Johnson’s gang and other criminals in Rivers would be arrested and prosecuted, to serve as a deterrent to other criminal-minded persons.