The Violent Crime Response Unit of the Nigeria Police Force arrested 17 men suspected of cult membership and drug dealing in Anambra State on Sunday. Officers raided a hideout in Awka after receiving credible intelligence about the group's activities.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said investigators recovered dried cannabis, petroleum jelly, condoms, and other items from the suspects during the operation. Preliminary questioning linked all 17 to the Vikings Confraternity, a cult group also known locally as Bagger.
The arrested men range in age from 17 to 30 years. They are Okeke Ugochukwu (28), Okoro Christian (17), Goodluck Michael (25), Amuche Michael (24), Ojukwu Divine (26), Ikechukwu Chimeremeze (20), Obinna Ike (30), Nnamdi Desmond (28), Odibendi (20), Emmanuel Onyema (26), Omalico Eric (23), Duru Ifeanyi (23), Diamond Zikora (26), Charles Chukwuma (28), Ikem Vincent (20), Okeke Chibuzo (23), and Izunna Okoye (24).
Ikenga said the investigation would expand to examine unlawful and immoral activities allegedly carried out at the location. The police command is conducting a full-scale inquiry to determine the extent of each suspect's involvement in cult operations and any other criminal offences they may have committed.
Anambra State Police Commissioner Ikioye Orutugu warned that cultism, drug abuse, and any acts undermining public peace will face zero tolerance in the state. The command has intensified operations against organised crime following the raid.
The suspects remain in custody as investigators question them further. The recovered exhibits will be analysed to support the ongoing case.
