Police arrest suspected cultist, girlfriend in Delta

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a suspected cultist, Agbajor Akpos (33), and his girlfriend, Sophia Thomas (26), over alleged cultism in the state. The suspects were reportedly arrested in the Ubeji community at about 3 am. The command’s spokesperson, Edafe Bright, said the suspects were arrested following a crackdown on cultism […]

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a suspected cultist, Agbajor Akpos (33), and his girlfriend, Sophia Thomas (26), over alleged cultism in the state.

The suspects were reportedly arrested in the Ubeji community at about 3 am.

The command’s spokesperson, Edafe Bright, said the suspects were arrested following a crackdown on cultism due to the resurgence of cult-related clashes in the area.

He said that while police were on patrol at about 3 am, they sighted a gold-coloured Lexus 350 SUV with registration number KWL359DS (ABUJA), parked suspiciously with two occupants on board.

He added that when interrogated, the occupants could not provide a satisfactory account of their presence at such an odd hour.

Their suspicious conduct prompted a search of the vehicle, leading to the recovery of arms.

According to the police, items recovered from them include one locally made cut-to-size double-barrel gun, one battle axe, one live cartridge, and one expended cartridge.

He said preliminary investigation revealed that the male suspect is a member of the Maphite confraternity and the Neo-Black Movement (NBM).

He said the suspect further confessed that the firearm found in his possession was given to him by one Mr. Shimaye (surname unknown), identified as the Deputy Chairman of the Ubeji community.

He said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover more arms.