Police Arrest Notorious Cult Leaders Over Ughelli Murder, Recover Firearms in Asaba

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Delta State Police Command have arrested suspected cult leaders linked to a murder case in Ughelli and recovered firearms during a separate intelligence-driven operation in Asaba.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe.

According to the statement, the arrests followed a series of coordinated operations carried out by the Command’s Special Assignment Team aimed at dismantling violent criminal networks across the state.

Police said operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, arrested two suspected cult leaders in connection with a cult-related murder that occurred on January 15, 2026, at the Iwhrekpokpo area of Ughelli.

The suspects, identified as 30-year-old Joshua Okpogona of Okwarabe Community and 37-year-old Raphael Omokerhe, popularly known as “Black Python,” were apprehended during an operation at a hotel in the Ekuigbo area of the town on March 6.

Police said Okpogona is believed to be the current Ughelli leader of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and the alleged mastermind behind the killing, while Omokerhe is the immediate past leader of the cult group.

Investigations are ongoing, while efforts have been intensified to track down other suspects who reportedly fled following the incident.

In a separate operation carried out on March 8 at about 4:35 a.m., the CP-SAT stormed a criminal hideout at the Umunaji area near “Stop Abortion” Junction in Asaba, leading to the arrest of a 22-year-old suspect, Chukwudi Ekenna.

Police said a search conducted at the hideout resulted in the recovery of a fabricated Beretta pistol, two locally made cut-to-size guns, and ten live cartridges believed to have been used for cult-related and armed robbery activities within the state capital and its environs.

The suspect is currently in custody and has reportedly provided useful information to investigators, which is aiding efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal network.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Aina Adesola, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining the ongoing crackdown on cultism and other violent crimes across Delta State.

He urged residents to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information, noting that community cooperation remains critical to ensuring a safer state.