The Rivers State Police Command has arrested two suspected cultists, including a serving police officer, in a dramatic operation that exposed a cache of weapons allegedly meant for a campus clash.
Police Corporal, Student in Custody
The suspects, identified as Corporal Onwukwe Godswill and Ifeanyi Israel, a 200-level Biomedical Technology student of the University of Port Harcourt, were apprehended on September 26, 2025, during a confrontation with the university’s internal security team.
According to a statement issued by SP Grace Iringe-Koko, Police Public Relations Officer, the duo were arrested in anticipation of a planned cult clash on the institution’s campus.
Weapons Recovered
A search of the suspects revealed an arsenal that heightened fears of looming violence. Items recovered included:
- Two locally made pistols
- Four rounds of live cartridges
- Two rounds of 9 mm live ammunition
- One small axe
Iringe-Koko further disclosed that a subsequent search of the suspected cult leader’s residence led to the recovery of one more locally made pistol and two machetes.
She confirmed:
“The suspects and exhibits are currently in police custody, and an in-depth investigation has been launched to determine the full extent of their involvement in cultism and other related activities.”
Command’s Reassurance
The development has sparked outrage and concern, particularly over the alleged involvement of a law enforcement officer in cult activities.
In response, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, reassured residents of the command’s resolve to stamp out criminality:
“We are committed to maintaining peace and security in the state, and we will not tolerate any form of cultism or criminal activity. There will be no hiding place for criminals in the state.”
He further urged the public to remain vigilant and support the police with timely information:
“Collaborative efforts will help build a safer and more secure state for all.”
Related Story: Bloodshed in Esa-Oke
In a separate development, two young men were killed in Esa-Oke, Osun State, following a violent clash between rival cult groups.
One of the victims, identified as Taoreed, was a fresh graduate of the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, while the second casualty was an undergraduate of the same polytechnic.
Taoreed reportedly died after being struck by a stray bullet during the confrontation, which has since thrown the community into mourning. Residents have called for urgent intervention to end the recurring cycle of cult violence.