The Rivers State Police Command has dismantled a violent secret cult network in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt, arresting eight suspects and recovering high-caliber weapons in the process.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko, made the disclosure in a press release issued to give a progress update on a significant investigation and fight against organised crime in the state.
As contained in the release, the arrests of members of the secret cult network were made following a series of police operations targeting a deadly inter-rival cult clash between the Blood Suckers (BS) and D12 factions of the notorious DEYGBAM Secret Cult group in Diobu, Port Harcourt.
The violence, which erupted in May 2025 and claimed multiple lives, had instilled widespread fear in the community.
It was stated that police operatives, through relentless efforts, have neutralised some key suspects, recovered several illegal weapons, and restored calm to the area.
The arrested eight suspects, all males, included Diepreye Gogo-Abite (43); Godsfollow Monday (30); Ifeanyi Sampson (28); Gift Emmanuel (28); Friday Godwin (24); Chukwemeka Dike (31); Brown Otu (23) and Dieseyi Ukulu (43).
The state Police Command further listed the exhibits recovered from the suspects to include one Scorpion VZ61 submachine gun; one fabricated English-made Beretta pistol; 20 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition; two rounds of 9mm live ammunition and one pair of screwdriver (sunglasses).
“These weapons were concealed in a black bag at Ukulu’s (one of the suspects) residence and were uncovered after his confession.
“Chidiebere Nwaiwu (a.k.a Daddy) was arrested on August 26, 2025, as the group’s chief armourer involved in gun-running.
“He died in the hospital on August 27, 2025, after falling ill. His remains are preserved in the mortuary for autopsy.
“Before his arrest, Daddy had planned an ambush to kill police operatives posted on special duty in Rumuosi/Rumuagholu axis over a land dispute, collaborating with Michael Ejike (a.k.a Effizy) and Clinton Anwusor.
“Michael Ejike was arrested on September 16, 2025, in Imo State where he had run into hidings.
“During interrogation, he confessed to removing the weapons from Daddy’s home via his sister on the specific instructions of Ugochukwu Ukeagbu (a.k.a Ugo King), leader of the Blood Suckers,” it was stated in the release.
The eight suspects are currently facing prosecution in court, while Michael Ejike and Clinton Anwusor will face prosecution upon the completion of a thorough investigation.
It was also disclosed that efforts were ongoing to recover more arms, arrest and dismantle other cult networks across Port Harcourt and Rivers State.
It was stated that the temporary silence of the Rivers Police Command on the investigation was part of a strategy to prevent escalation and apprehend potential accomplices.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has commended the diligence and bravery of the police operatives in the daring operations.
He encouraged his officers and men to maintain the high standard of competence in the fight against crime in all its manifestations.
The CP also noted that the arrests have restored peace to Diobu and the state at large, commended members of the community for their cooperation and urged more vigilance.
