Four suspected cultists have been arrested by Delta State Police Command for alleged membership of a cult group, Eiye Confraternity, and possession of a pistol.
The suspects were identified as Rasheed Atanda, aged 32; Charles Oyowe, 36; Rewane Ogbitse, 49; and Shedrack Oloko, aged 44.
Thenewsbearer learnt that a Beretta pistol with three rounds of live ammunition was recovered from Oyowe.
The Command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday, July 3, said that Atanda was the first to be arrested on Sunday, June 29 when operatives of CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, acted on credible information and stormed Yoruba Street in Sapele town.
The PPRO said that preliminary investigation led the operatives to the three other suspects, and they all confessed to being members of Eiye Confraternity.
He added that the suspects are still under investigation.
In a separate operation, on Monday, June 30, the CP-SAT operatives recovered a Lexus 330 SUV which had earlier been reported stolen by armed robbers.
In the complaint received before the recovery, the police learnt that the robbers, armed with dangerous weapons, invaded a residence in the early hours of the day and carted away expensive jewelry, mobile phones, and the vehicle with registration number RBC 656 CN.
SP Edafe said: “Following swift investigation and deployment of intelligence assets, the stolen vehicle was recovered around 0635hrs (6:30a.m.) at UTI Road, off DSC Expressway, Ebrumede.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, who commended the operatives for their swift and coordinated response, noted that the success of these operations underscores the importance of timely and credible information from members of the public.
He emphasised that proactive community engagement and prompt report of criminal activities would significantly enhance the capacity of the police to respond effectively and forestall further crimes.
