Police arrest five suspected cultists in Imo raid

The Imo State Police Command has conducted a raid in Irete, Owerri and apprehended two alleged leaders of the Black Axe Confraternity. The Quick Intervention Team (QIT) arrested the suspects, Uche Ibejiako, 26, from Owerri Municipal, and Mariano Daniel, 24, from Delta State.

They were apprehended based on intelligence. Two other individuals, Michael Chukwuemeka, 23, from Umuokwu Izombe in Oguta Local Council, and Anointing Ezeh, 23, from Umugada Irete in Owerri West Local Council, were also arrested during the raid as suspected members of the notorious cult group.

According to the command’s spokesperson, ASP Henry Okoye, the operation was part of a strategic initiative to combat cult-related activities within the state. All five suspects have confessed to being members of the Black Axe Confraternity.

An ongoing investigation aims to gather further evidence of their activities, and the suspects will be charged in court upon its completion.

The Imo State Police Command urged the public to continue supporting efforts to combat crime by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station. It emphasised that combined efforts are crucial in maintaining peace and security across the state.