446 cultists arrested, 24 prosecuted in Delta, says CP

The Delta State Commissioner of Police , Zanna Ibrahim, has disclosed that 446 suspects have so far been arrested in connection with cultism since the establishment of the special anti - cult unit in the state in 2016.

Ibrahim dropped the hint on Saturday at a one - day seminar organised for 26 public secondary schools by the commissioner representing Ughelli South, Udu and Uvwie council areas on the board of the Delta State Oil - Producing Area Development Commission , Chief Amos Itwhe , held in Okpare - Olomouc , Ughelli South.

Ibrahim represented by the Head of the state Anti - Cult Unit , Ibrahim Danazumi, noted that since the creation of the unit, the state police command had redoubled its efforts at tackling and discouraging youths in the state from getting involved in cult- related activities.

While warning youths, especially secondary school students, against cult membership, the CP said anyone caught would be dealt with in accordance with the law of the state which prohibits cultism and its related activities.

He said, “Since the establishment of the Anti - Cult Unit in 2016, it has arrested 446 suspected cultists and arraigned 340 of those arrested.

Twenty- four of those arrested have been prosecuted while another set of 24 are currently being investigated as others are being remanded at various prisons across the state pending legal advice from the DPP Office, Asaba.” 

In his opening remarks, Itwhe warned secondary schools’ students in the state against involvement in cultism, describing it as a monster that had destroyed many lives and destinies.

“ In line with what the society desires, the Delta State Government through the Directorate of Orientation and the office of the commissioner representing Urhobo ethnic nationality at the DESOPADEC board have decided to embark on this one - day seminar to warn our children and wards on the dangers of cultism,” he added.

SOURCE: PUNCH