The Delta State Police Command has arrested five suspects, including a man who allegedly participated in the gruesome murder of a young man in Issele-Asagba, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.
The killing, suspected to be cult-related, occurred on October 27, 2026, and was captured in a viral video showing the victim being brutally attacked and butchered with a machete.
The police said the arrests followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, to operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Asaba, to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing.
Acting on the directive, operatives intensified intelligence-led operations, leading to the arrest of four suspected members of the Black Axe confraternity during a raid on a suspected hideout along Ugbolu-Amachai Road on November 3.
The suspects were identified as Ifechukwudi Okafor, 26; Michael Okoro, 26; Freedom Iloh, 28; and Chinasa Akwuo, 29.
During the operation, the police recovered one pump-action gun, a dagger and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
Further investigations led to the arrest of another suspect, 27-year-old Infione Solomon Omefe, on November 4.
According to the police, Omefe confessed to participating in the murder captured in the viral video.
The Command said efforts were ongoing to arrest other individuals allegedly connected to the killing.
The Commissioner of Police condemned the gruesome murder, assuring residents that everyone involved would be brought to justice.
He warned youths against cultism and other violent crimes, stressing that the Command would sustain its operations to dismantle criminal groups and prevent further bloodshed.
Erale also appealed to residents to support the police with credible information that could assist ongoing investigations, assuring them that the identities of informants would be treated with confidentiality.
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining public safety across Delta State.
