Delta: Police arrest seven suspected cultists, recover double-barrel gun, other weapons

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested seven suspected cultists and recovered ammunition.

The suspects are Promise Esenjor, 26, of Abavo; Wisdom Victor, 23, of Umunede; James Wisdom, 25, of Agbor; Chinedu Munonye, 22, of Issele-Uku; Onyemakonor Collins, 20, of Agbor; Unah Oluchi, 21, of Agbor; and Azomani Favour, 23, of Issele-Uku.

On 27 July 2026, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), acting on credible intelligence, raided a criminal hideout in Issele-Uku and arrested the suspects.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Edafe Bright, confirmed that preliminary investigations revealed the suspects confessed to being members of the dreaded Maphite Confraternity.

“One double-barrel gun, seven live cartridges, one cutlass, one Maphite cult beret, seven Android phones and other incriminating exhibits were recovered from their hideout.”

He said that while the investigation was ongoing, operatives of Abraka Division, in a separate operation on 27 July 2026, acting on credible intelligence, foiled a planned gathering of suspected criminals along Omono Road, Abraka.

“While other suspects fled on sighting the police, one Wale Morakinyo, 27, was arrested.

“A search of a bag in his possession led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols and four live cartridges.

“The suspect is in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” he stated.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reassured all Deltans of the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations against cultism and other violent crimes.

He urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to support ongoing efforts to keep Delta State safe.