The Nigeria Police Force in Delta State has arrested suspected cult leaders linked to a murder in Ughelli and recovered firearms during a separate operation in Asaba, as part of intensified efforts to dismantle violent criminal networks across the state.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) carried out the intelligence-driven operations that led to the arrests and recovery of weapons.
Edafe said the first operation was connected to investigations into a case of conspiracy, cultism and murder stemming from a cult-related killing that occurred on January 15, 2026, in the Iwhrekpokpo area of Ughelli.
He explained that the CP-SAT team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a hotel in the Ekuigbo area of the town at about 11:30 a.m. on March 6, where the suspects were reportedly hiding.
“The operation led to the arrest of Joshua Okpogona, 30, of Okwarabe Community, identified as the current Ughelli leader of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and the alleged mastermind behind the killing,” Edafe said.
He added that another suspect, Raphael Omokerhe, 37, popularly known as “Black Python” and identified as the immediate past leader of the same cult group, was also arrested during the raid.
“Investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing suspects connected to the crime,” he said.
Securitynewsalert.com heard that in a separate operation on March 8, the CP-SAT operatives again struck at a criminal hideout in the Umunaji area near “Stop Abortion” Junction in Asaba at about 4:35 a.m.
During the raid, the team arrested a suspect, Chukwudi Ekenna, 22. A search of the hideout led to the recovery of one fabricated Beretta pistol, two locally made cut-to-size guns and ten live cartridges.
Police said the weapons were believed to have been used for cult-related and armed robbery activities within Asaba and surrounding communities.
“The suspect is currently in custody and has provided useful information that is aiding ongoing efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal network,” Edafe said.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Aina Adesola, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to sustaining the crackdown on cultism and other violent crimes.
He urged members of the public to support the police with credible and timely information, noting that community cooperation remains essential in ensuring a safer Delta State.
