The Anambra State Police Command has arrested 17 male suspects over alleged cult-related activities and other acts considered harmful to public order during raids on several hideouts in the state.
The raids were carried out by operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit in Awka following credible intelligence, according to a statement issued Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga.
Items recovered from the suspects included dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis sativa, containers of petroleum jelly, condoms and other materials considered relevant to the investigation.
“Anambra operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit acting on credible information arrested 17 male suspects allegedly linked to cult-related activities and other acts considered contrary to public morality at some identified hideouts in Awka in the early hours of today, May 24, 2026,” the statement said.
The police identified the suspects as 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 preliminary interrogation revealed the suspects were allegedly affiliated with the Vikings Confraternity, also known as “Bagger.”
He added that the investigation had been expanded to include allegations of unlawful and immoral activities linked to the location.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, reiterated that cultism, drug abuse and other criminal activities capable of threatening public peace and societal values would not be tolerated.
“The command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the matter to ascertain the extent of the involvement of the suspects in cult-related activities and other possible criminal offences. Further developments will be communicated accordingly,” the statement added.
