Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit have arrested 17 men in Awka over alleged cult-related activities and acts considered contrary to public morality.
The arrests were made in the early hours of 24 May 2026 during a raid on a hideout in the state capital, following credible intelligence, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement.
Police said items recovered from the suspects include dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa, containers of petroleum jelly, condoms, and other exhibits relevant to the investigation.
Those in custody 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.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects are allegedly affiliated with the Vikings Confraternity, also known as “Bagger”. Police said the investigation is also probing reports of unlawful and immoral activities carried out at the location.
Anambra Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, said cultism, drug abuse, and any acts that undermine public peace and societal values would not be tolerated in the state.
The command said a full-scale investigation is underway to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement in cult-related activities and other possible offences. Further updates will be communicated in due course.
