A police corporal attached to the Elimgbu Division, Onukwue Godswill, and a 200-level Biomedical Technology student of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Ifeanyi Israel, have been arrested by security operatives for allegedly leading cult-related activities in Rivers State.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest in a statement on behalf of the Rivers State Command.
According to her, the suspects were intercepted during events marking the signing-out ceremony of final-year students at UNIPORT. The institution’s internal security team had raised an alarm after observing that the duo was attempting to mobilize for a potential clash with rival cult groups on campus.
“In a swift response, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit were deployed and apprehended the suspects,” Iringe-Koko said.
A search carried out on the suspects reportedly led to the recovery of two locally made pistols, four live cartridges, two rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a small axe. A follow-up search at Corporal Onukwue’s residence also yielded another locally made pistol and two machetes.
The PPRO added that the suspects are currently in custody, with investigations ongoing to uncover the extent of their involvement in cultism and other criminal activities.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, reiterated the Command’s determination to rid the state of crime, warning that “there will be no hiding place for criminals in Rivers State.” He urged members of the public to stay vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, stressing that collective effort remains key to building a safer state.
