POLICE ARREST 54 SUSPECTS OVER CULTISM, DRUGS, AND FAKE KIDNAPPING IN ANAMBRA

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 54 suspects for offences ranging from cultism and drug trafficking to fake kidnappings and other crimes.

The suspects, comprising 39 males and 15 females, were arrested during coordinated raids by police operatives in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, and Ifitedunu, Dunukofia LGA.

Spokesman for the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Awka on Monday, while representing the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu.

Ikenga said the arrests were part of renewed strategies aimed at restoring sanity in the state and curbing rising crime among young people between the ages of 18 and 26.

Among those arrested were two suspects a boy and his girlfriend accused of staging a self-orchestrated kidnap and collecting a ransom of ₦1 million from the girl’s parents.

He also revealed that operatives recovered 11 bags containing a large quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp) during the operations.

Ikenga condemned the increasing cases of self-staged kidnappings, cult-related violence, and drug abuse, describing them as “disturbing trends” worsened by poor parental supervision.

He recalled a similar case in which a young lady conspired with her boyfriend to fake her own abduction and extort ₦3 million from her parents after initially demanding ₦10 million.

Highlighting the dangers of cultism, Ikenga pointed to the recent attack by suspected cultists during a burial ceremony at Ezi-Ogidi, Idemili North, where four people were killed and 15 others injured.

The police spokesman explained that the Command has intensified surveillance, patrols, and intelligence-gathering, adopting both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, including inviting suspected cultists for questioning and raiding drug hideouts.

He further disclosed that operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad, Enugwu-Ukwu, arrested one suspect, Chiderah Obochi, 25, at Ifitedunu, with quantities of Indian hemp in his possession. The suspect confessed to being a drug runner and led officers to another hideout where 11 bags of Indian hemp were seized.

Ikenga said the substances would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action, while efforts are ongoing to track suppliers.

On September 14, police raided a black spot in Ogidi where suspected cultists gathered, leading to the arrest of 54 suspects. They are currently undergoing screening and profiling, and those found culpable will be charged in court.

The Command assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property while keeping Anambra safe for all law-abiding citizens.