Police arrest 22-year-old suspected cultist in Anambra, recover firearms
May 6, 2026 9:52 am
File photo: Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga
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The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old suspected cultist identified as Favour Izunna, a.k.a. “Njoku”, for his alleged involvement in murder and kidnapping activities in Obosi community, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state and environs.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Unit, Enugwu Ukwu, arrested the suspect during a raid on a criminal hideout in Obosi.
Ikenga listed one pump-action gun, five live cartridges, one locally-made Beretta pistol and seven rounds of 7.5mm live ammunition as some of the items recovered during the raid.
He said the suspect is a member of a dreaded cult group known as the Vikings Confraternity, where he operates as an executioner responsible for terrorising Obosi and its environs.
The statement read, “Following the confession of a notorious suspect arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Unit, Enugwu Ukwu, on April 30, 2026, the Anambra State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in ongoing investigations.
“The suspect, identified as Favour Izunna, a.k.a. Njoku, aged 22 years, is a member of a dreaded cult group known as the Vikings Confraternity, where he operates as an executioner responsible for terrorising Obosi and its environs.
“Subsequently, with operational support from the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, the Police operatives recovered the following items from a criminal hideout in Obosi: one pump-action gun, five live cartridges, one locally made Beretta pistol and seven rounds of 7.5mm live ammunition.
“During interrogations, the suspect further confessed to the gruesome murder of about five persons in Obosi.
“However, he could only clearly recall three victims identified as: Somtochukwu Alfred (male), Udechukwu Izuchukwu (male), and Izuchukwu Obi (male).
“He also disclosed the involvement of certain sponsors who allegedly contracted him to carry out the killings within the community.”
According to him, in addition, the suspect admitted to participating in several kidnapping operations within Anambra State, including victims identified as Emeka Chukwuka (male) and Chinelo Onyeka (female), among others.
“To this end, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed intensified efforts towards the arrest of other gang members and the alleged sponsors currently at large.
“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” the statement added.
Ikenna Obianeri is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 10 years of experience in reporting and storytelling. He conducts incisive interviews, covers crime and environmental issues, and produces engaging feature stories tailored for digital audiences. Ikenna’s work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to impactful, audience-focused journalism
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