The Bayelsa State Police Command has apprehended eight individuals suspected of cult-related activities for allegedly assaulting a 300-level student of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, identified as Prince Hansen.
The Punch reported that the arrests were carried out by operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit after they received a distress call reporting that a group of young men had allegedly attacked the student at a hotel located on Mike Okokpo Street in Yenagoa.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Musa Mohammed, confirmed the development in a statement released on Saturday.
According to him, the incident happened at about 10 p.m. on July 14, 2026.
Mohammed said, “Following a distress call by a public-spirited individual along Mike Okokpo Street, Yenagoa, that a group of eight young men suspected to be cultists lodged in a hotel ganged up and beat one Prince Hansen, a 300-level student of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, within the hotel premises, causing him grievous bodily harm over an allegation that the victim was owing N70,000, operatives attached to the Violent Crime Response Unit swung into action.”
The police identified the suspects as Desmond Linus, 20; Richman Serbokuro, 21; Plain Lion, 19; Richman Joel, 20; Solomon Damian, 23; Destiny Serbokuro, 24; Isaac Goodnews, 22; and Theresa Francis, 22.
Mohammed disclosed that six of those arrested are students of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma.
He added, “Upon a search, exhibits including a substance suspected to be Indian hemp, Swinol and charms were recovered from the suspects.”
The police spokesperson stated that investigations are still in progress, adding that the suspects will be charged to court after the probe is concluded.
He also reaffirmed the command’s determination to rid the state of cult-related violence and other criminal activities.
“The command reiterates its unwavering commitment to combating cultism and other violent crimes across the state. Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to the police to enhance public safety and security,” he said.
