Eight Suspected Cultists Arrested as Police Dismantle Violent Gang Network

Eight suspected members of a violent cult network have been arrested by operatives of the Rivers State Police Command in a major breakthrough against organised crime in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt.

Those arrested include Diepreye Gogo-Abite (43), Godsfollow Monday (30), Ifeanyi Sampson (28), Gift Emmanuel (28), Friday Godwin (24), Chukwemeka Dike (31), Brown Otu (23), and Dieseyi Ukulu (43).

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the suspects belong to the Blood Suckers (BS) and D12 factions of the notorious Deygbam cult group, whose deadly clashes in May 2025 claimed several lives and terrorised residents of Diobu.

During the coordinated operations, police recovered a cache of weapons, including one Scorpion VZ61 submachine gun, one English-made fabricated Beretta pistol, twenty rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, two rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and a pair of screwdrivers (sunglasses). The arms were reportedly concealed in a black bag at Ukulu’s residence and discovered following his confession.

In a related development, the police also arrested Chidiebere Nwaiwu, popularly known as Daddy, alleged to be the group’s chief armourer and gunrunner. Nwaiwu, who was apprehended on August 26, 2025, reportedly fell ill and died in the hospital a day later. His remains have been preserved for autopsy.

Before his arrest, Nwaiwu was said to have plotted an ambush against police operatives on special duty in the Rumuosi/Rumuagholu area, in connection with a land dispute. Investigations revealed that he conspired with Michael Ejike (a.k.a Effizy) and Clinton Anwusor to carry out the attack.

Ejike was later tracked down and arrested in Imo State on September 16, 2025, after weeks in hiding. During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to removing weapons from Nwaiwu’s home through his sister, acting on the orders of Ugochukwu Ukeagbu (a.k.a Ugo King), identified as the leader of the Blood Suckers cult.

Police say efforts are ongoing to recover more weapons and apprehend other fleeing members of the network.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, commended the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved in the operation, noting that their efforts have restored calm to Diobu and other parts of the state.

He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their cooperation and urged continued vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime.

The suspects, according to the Command, are currently being prosecuted in court, while investigations into the roles of Ejike and Anwusor continue.