Imo Police Arrest Cultists Involved in Robbery and Phone Theft

Owerri, Nigeria — The Imo State Police Command has dismantled a notorious cult group linked to multiple cases of armed robbery, phone theft, and illegal phone tracking in Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, on Saturday in Owerri.

According to Okoye, the group was arrested following a complaint by a phone dealer whose shop was burgled on July 11, 2025, and several new mobile devices stolen.

“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Vice Unit apprehended a suspect with four brand-new phones. This led to the arrest of the prime suspect and an accomplice known for tampering with phone IMEI numbers to avoid detection,” Okoye said.

He added that the suspects are currently in custody, and efforts are underway to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate.

In a separate incident, officers from Orji Police Station in Owerri North LGA responded to a distress call on July 31, 2025, at about 9:00 PM and arrested one Ernest Nweke at Bishop’s Court Roundabout.

The suspect, a native of Umuoji in Ngor Okpala LGA and resident of World Bank, Owerri, was caught in possession of a locally-made pistol after he and three others reportedly robbed Emmanuel Feargod of Fountain of Knowledge Hostel.

Okoye confirmed that Nweke, who confessed to being a member of the Vikings cult group, was identified by the victim. Based on his confession, four additional suspects—Chamberlain Prince, Akujuobi Godwin, Ugwuelu Joseph, and Frederick Chigozie—were arrested and also admitted to their involvement in the crime.

“All suspects are under investigation and will be charged to court accordingly,” Okoye stated.

Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, commended the swift response of the officers and reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to combat criminal activities. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior to the nearest police station or via the Command’s hotline: 0803 477 3600.

By Makinde oyinkansola| August 2, 2025