The Rivers State Police Command has arrested ten suspected cultists allegedly involved in a violent supremacy clash between rival factions of the Deygbam cult group in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt.
The command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, noting that the arrests were made after weeks of intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing the activities of the warring cult groups — the Blood Suckers and D12 — which have caused unrest in the area for months.
“The Rivers State Police Command provides a progress update on a significant escalation in the investigation and fight against organised crime following a series of operations targeting a deadly inter-rival cult clash between the Blood Suckers (BS) and D12 factions of the notorious Deygbam secret cult group in Diobu, Port Harcourt,” Iringe-Koko stated.
She explained that the cult war, which began in May 2025, had claimed several lives and instilled fear among residents.
According to the police spokesperson, the suspects arrested are Diepreye Gogo-Abite (43), Godsfollow Monday (30), Ifeanyi Sampson (28), Gift Emmanuel (28), Friday Godwin (24), Chukwemeka Dike (31), Brown Out (23), and Dieseyi Ukulu (43).
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects include one Skorpion VZ61 submachine gun, one locally fabricated English-made Beretta pistol, 20 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, two rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and one pair of sunglasses,” she added.
Iringe-Koko revealed that the firearms were recovered from the home of Dieseyi Ukulu, after he confessed during interrogation that the weapons were hidden in a black bag at his residence.
She further noted that two additional suspects — including an alleged gunrunner identified as Chidiebere Nwaiwu, also known as Daddy — were apprehended during a follow-up operation. However, Nwaiwu reportedly died in custody after a sudden illness.
“Chidiebere Nwaiwu, a.k.a. Daddy, who served as the group’s chief armourer, was arrested on August 26, 2025, but passed away a day later in the hospital after falling ill. His remains have been preserved for autopsy,” she said.
Iringe-Koko also confirmed that another suspect, Michael Ejike (a.k.a. Effizy), was arrested in Imo State on September 16, 2025, while hiding from the authorities.
“During interrogation, Ejike confessed to removing weapons from Daddy’s house with the help of his sister on the instructions of Ugochukwu Ukeagbu (a.k.a. Ugo King), leader of the Blood Suckers faction,” she said.
She added that the police had intensified efforts to recover more illegal arms and dismantle the remaining cult networks operating within the state.
“The suspects are currently being prosecuted in court, while others still under investigation will be charged upon completion of the process,” she concluded.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, commended his officers for their professionalism and courage during the operation.
“These arrests have brought relative peace to Diobu and its environs. I commend my men for their bravery and urge them to sustain the momentum,” Adepoju said.
He also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to help rid the state of criminal elements.
