Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested 17 suspects during a raid on an alleged cult hideout in Awka, recovering suspected hard drugs and other incriminating items in the process.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Saturday, May 24, 2026, followed what the police described as credible intelligence linking the suspects to cult-related and other unlawful activities.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, items recovered from the suspects included dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, containers of petroleum jelly, condoms and other exhibits considered relevant to ongoing investigations.
The suspects arrested 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.
Police said preliminary interrogation allegedly revealed that the suspects are affiliated with the Vikings Confraternity, also known as “Bagger.”
The Command added that investigations have also been extended to allegations of unlawful and immoral activities reportedly taking place at the location.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reiterated the Command’s resolve to clamp down on cultism, drug abuse and other criminal activities capable of threatening public peace and societal values in the state.
“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,” the statement said.
Police assured that further developments on the case would be communicated as investigations progress.
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