Imo Police Command Arrests Five Suspected Black Axe Cultists in Owerri

The Imo State Police Command has successfully apprehended five individuals suspected to be members of the notorious Black Axe Confraternity, a cult group known for its criminal activities in the state capital, Owerri.

The arrests, carried out on 2nd September 2024, were the result of a meticulously planned, intelligence-driven operation led by the Quick Intervention Team (QIT) of the command.

According to a press release by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Henry Okoye, the operation was part of a broader strategy aimed at curbing the rising tide of cult-related violence and criminality within Owerri and its environs.

The police had been tracking the movements of suspected cult members in the area, and their efforts paid off with the successful apprehension of the suspects at Irete, a suburb of Owerri.

The suspects have been identified as Uche Ibejiako, 26, from Owerri Municipal; Mariano Daniel, 24, from Delta State; Michael Chukwuemeka, 23, from Umuokwu Izombe in Oguta Local Government Area; and Annointing Ezeh, 23, from Umugada Irete in Owerri West Local Government Area.

According to ASP Okoye, these individuals were arrested during a targeted operation specifically designed to disrupt the activities of the Black Axe Confraternity, a group with a well-documented history of involvement in violent crimes and other nefarious activities.

During initial questioning, all five suspects allegedly confessed to being active members of the Black Axe Confraternity.

The group is known for its involvement in various forms of organised crime, including violence, extortion, and other unlawful activities that have long plagued the state.

The confession by the suspects not only underscores the success of the police operation but also highlights the persistent threat posed by cult groups in the region.

The Imo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order in the state, and it has made clear that the arrest of these suspects is just the beginning of a wider crackdown on cult-related activities.

ASP Okoye noted that investigations are ongoing to gather additional evidence that could lead to more arrests and further dismantling of cult networks operating within the state.

He emphasised that the command is determined to ensure that Owerri and other parts of Imo State are safe for residents and visitors alike.

The police have also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities in their communities.

The command believes that cooperation from the public is crucial in the fight against cultism and other forms of organised crime.

By providing timely information, citizens can play a significant role in assisting law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend individuals involved in criminal activities.

ASP Okoye assured the public that the suspects will face the full weight of the law. He stated that upon the completion of the ongoing investigation, the suspects will be charged in court.

This move is intended to serve as a deterrent to others who may be involved in similar activities, as the police continue to demonstrate that cultism and its associated criminal acts will not be tolerated in Imo State.

The Imo State Police Command’s swift action has been widely commended as a step in the right direction towards eradicating cultism in the state.

The command has also taken the opportunity to remind the youth of the dangers of engaging in cult activities, urging them to pursue positive and lawful avenues to achieve their aspirations.

In conclusion, the arrest of these five suspected cultists serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against cultism in Imo State.

The police command, through its Quick Intervention Team, has shown its resolve to tackle this menace head-on.

As investigations continue and the suspects are brought before the courts, the hope is that these efforts will contribute significantly to the reduction of crime and the restoration of peace and security in Owerri and beyond.