By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested a suspected armed robber and cultist during a raid on a criminal hideout in the Enugu metropolis, recovering an imitation firearm, a dagger, and suspected hard drugs.
The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Osani Joseph, was apprehended by operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Sub-Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) during an intelligence-led operation carried out in the New Artisan area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed in a statement that the operation was conducted following credible intelligence regarding criminal activities in the area.
According to the police, a search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a silver-colored, gun-like object allegedly used to intimidate and rob members of the public, a dagger, 10 wraps of a substance suspected to be methamphetamine (popularly known as “Mkpuru Mmiri”), and a sachet containing a substance suspected to be cannabis.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly used the imitation firearm to carry out robbery operations within the state. Furthermore, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, a cult group linked to several violent crimes across the country.
“The suspect confessed to using the gun-like object to rob unsuspecting members of the public and admitted to being a member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity,” the police spokesperson stated.
The Command noted that investigations have been expanded to identify and apprehend other members of the suspect’s criminal network, adding that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Bitrus Giwa, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against cultism, armed robbery, and other violent crimes across the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information that could aid in crime prevention and detection.