The Delta State Police Command has arraigned 22 suspected cultists arrested in separate operations at Eku and Owhelogbo communities.
This was made known in a statement issued on Saturday by the Delta Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.
According to Edafe, 15 suspects earlier arrested at Eku Community and subsequently taken into custody by operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Sector 2, Ozoro, were arraigned before the Federal High Court, Warri, on 25th September.
The seven other suspects arrested at Owhelogbo Community by operatives of the Unit were arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court.
They were charged with offences bordering on conspiracy and membership of an unlawful society, specifically the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, otherwise known as “Arobag.”
Dueing the hearing of the case, the respective courts subsequently ordered their remand in correctional custody pending further proceedings.
Among those arraigned are Best Enarisa (45), Alex David (33), Precious Onokponu (30), Joel Odafe (19), Zino Oghene (33), Oghenero Gabriel (35), and Ofego Omaoke (25), alongside other suspects.
Reacting, the Delta Commissioner of Police, Samuel E. Erale, reiterated that the command will continue to pursue cultism cases beyond arrest through diligent investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
He warned persons involved in cult-related activities to desist. He urges parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the Police with credible and timely information capable of preventing cult-related activities and associated violence across the State.
