Edith CHUKU
The Rivers State Police command has arrested a police corporal attached to the Elimgbu Division, Mr. Onwukwe Godswill and a 200-level student in the department of Biomedical Technology of the University of Port Harcourt, Ifeanyi Israel.
Onwukwe and Israel were arrested following their alleged involvement in cultism related activities as revealed in a statement on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Irinke-Koko.
Irinke-Koko noted that their arrest led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition and other incriminating exhibits.
According to her, “on September 26, 2025, at about 1600hrs, during the activities marking the signing out of final-year students at the University of Port-Harcourt, the university’s internal security team confronted a suspected cult member, a Police Corporal, Mr Onwukwe Godswill ‘m’ attached to the Elimgbu Division and a 200-level Biomedical Technology undergraduate student of the university, Ifeanyi Israel ‘m’ in anticipation of a clash with rival cultists on campus.
“In a swift response, operatives of the command attached to the anti-cultism unit (ACU) were dispatched to the scene and the suspects were arrested.
“A thorough search of the suspects yielded the following exhibits; two locally made Pistols, four rounds of live cartridges, two rounds of 9mm live ammunition and one small axe.
“A subsequent search of the house of the suspected cult leader, Onwukwe by the operatives, resulted in the recovery of the following additional exhibits; one locally made Pistol and two matchetes.”
The PPRO further noted that “the suspects and exhibits are currently in Police custody. An in-depth investigation has been launched to determine the full extent of the suspect’s involvement in cultism and other related activities.
“The Police command is working diligently to unravel any potential networks or accomplices and bring all perpetrators to face the full weight of the law.”
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A. Adepoju, reaffirmed the command’s unrelenting commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state, stating that there will be no hiding place for criminals in the State.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or other security agencies, emphasizing that collaborative efforts will help build a safer and more secure state for all.
