The Delta State Police Command has arrested two suspected cult leaders linked to a murder in Ughelli and recovered firearms during a separate operation in Asaba.
The arrests was made by operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson in intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling violent criminal networks across the state.
According to the statement by Delta state Public Relations Officer(PPRO)SP Bright Edafe, the first operation followed investigations into a case of conspiracy, cultism and murder connected to a cult-related killing that occurred on January 15, 2026, at Iwhrekpokpo,Ughelli.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the CP-SAT operatives led by ASP Julius Robinson stormed a hotel in the Ekuigbo,Ughelli at about 11:30 a.m. on March 6, 2026, where the suspects were reportedly hiding.
“During the raid, the operatives arrested Joshua Okpogona, 30, of Okwarabe Community, who was identified by the police as the current Ughelli leader of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and the alleged mastermind of the killing.
“Also arrested was Raphael Omokerhe, 37, popularly known as “Black Python,” who was identified as the immediate past leader of the same cult group.
“Police said investigations were ongoing, adding that efforts had been intensified to apprehend other suspects who fled following the incident.
“In a separate operation, the CP-SAT team led by ASP Robinson stormed a suspected criminal hideout at about 4:35 a.m. on March 8 at the Umunaji,near “Stop Abortion” Junction in Asaba.
“The operation led to the arrest of Chukwudi Ekenna, 22, suspected to be involved in cult-related and armed robbery activities in the state capital and its environs.
“A search of the hideout, according to the police, led to the recovery of a fabricated Beretta pistol, two locally made guns and 10 live cartridges.
“The suspect is currently in police custody and has reportedly provided useful information to investigators to aid the arrest of other members of the criminal network
“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Aina Adesola, assured residents of the command’s commitment to sustaining the ongoing crackdown on cultism, violent crimes and other criminal activities across the state.
“He urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to ensuring a safer Delta State.”
