Anambra Police Arrest Notorious Cultist Linked to Murder, Abductions in Oko

The Anambra State Police Command has announced the arrest of a notorious cultist believed to be connected to a spate of violent crimes in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area. The arrest, carried out on Sunday, July 7, 2025, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Awkuzu, marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown on cult-related violence in the state.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Chukwujekwu Micheal Okoye, also known by the alias “Bus-Stop”, was apprehended in connection with a series of coordinated attacks in June that left two people dead, two others injured, and two more abducted—later released after ransom payments.

The incidents occurred at Total Junction and Tipper Junction, both within Oko community. During the arrest, police recovered an automatic pump-action gun and two mobile phones believed to have been stolen during the earlier attacks.

Investigations revealed that Okoye is a high-ranking member of the Aye Confraternity, a violent cult group known for its criminal activities across the region. He reportedly confessed to participating in the robbery of a victim at gunpoint on May 22, 2025, during which a phone and other valuables were stolen. He also disclosed details of a planned initiation ceremony and a rival cult attack that was scheduled for the same day of his arrest.

Okoye further admitted his role in the June 19 attack on Oko, carried out alongside six other gang members. His confession has provided crucial intelligence, prompting the police to launch efforts aimed at apprehending the remaining members of the syndicate and dismantling the cult network in Anambra State.

SP Ikenga assured the public that further developments in the investigation will be communicated in due course, and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements.