Suspects arrested as Delta police dismantle cult killing network linked to violent clashes in Ughelli town

Operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team of the Delta State Police Command have dismantled a suspected cult killing network linked to recent violent clashes in Ughelli town.

The operation followed renewed cult-related violence and k!llings in Ughelli and other parts of the state, prompting CP Aina Adesola, the state Commissioner of Police, to order an intensified, intelligence-driven manhunt for cultists and other violent criminals. 

Recurrent cult attacks in the state have left several young men d3ad, including the younger brother of Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRH Ojakovo Oharisi III.

Acting on the directive, CP-SAT operatives, led by ASP Julius Robinson, arrested two suspects—Warri Ochuko (40) of Orogun Community and Lucky Okohwoake (23) of Afiesere Community, both in Ughelli North Local Government Area.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 said the suspects made confessional statements during interrogation and provided actionable intelligence that led to a coordinated operation across the Ughelli metropolis

Six additional suspects were subsequently arrested: Richard William (28) of Uwheru Community; Onorode Pius (27) of Otor-Udu Community, Udu LGA; Sunday Jakpor (20) of Orhunwhun Community, Udu LGA; Victory Ogbemudia (25) of Oleh Community, Isoko South LGA; Raymond Arhiakpore (39) of Agbara Community; and Precious Wanogho (34) of Orogun Community, all in Delta State.

Edafe disclosed that a locally made firearm and four live cartridges were recovered from the first two suspects. 

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects confessed to being members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and admitted involvement in the k!lling of Alex Adanike (37) on January 15, 2026, at the Iwhrekpokpo area of Ughelli, Ughelli North LGA,” the statement read.

In another development, on 26 January 2026, operatives of the Command’s CP–Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on credible intelligence, stormed a suspected criminal hideout at the Irapa area of Sapele town and arrested three (3) suspects. 

“During the operation, three (3) suspects were arrested. They are: Kome Temienoro (male, 25 years) of Jesse Community, Ethiope East LGA; Ogaga Omogene (male, 17 years) of Ugbuwe Community, Ethiope East LGA; and Biokoro Francis (male, 42 years) of Okogborode Community, Sapele LGA, all of Delta State,” the statement read. 

“A search of the premises led to the recovery of a wooden-carved pistol, a battle axe, a bulletproof vest, quantities of illicit drugs, and other incriminating items. 

“A white Toyota Venza vehicle, suspected to have been used for criminal operations, was also recovered. Profiling and further investigation of the suspects are ongoing to determine the full extent of their criminal activities and possible links to cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police assured residents that the Command remains resolute in its determination to eradicate cultism and other violent crimes in Delta State. 

“The ongoing manhunt continues, and members of the public are encouraged to provide timely and credible information, with the assurance of strict confidentiality.”