The Delta State Police Command says it has arrested a suspected cultist and recovered four locally fabricated firearms in Jesse Town, in the state.
The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Oghenebuba Mamatime, was arrested by operatives of the Jesse Police Division in collaboration with community youths.
According to the command, Mamatime, who is allegedly a member of the Eiye Confraternity, had been on the police wanted list over the shooting of a man along Ujomi Road, Jesse Town, on July 2.
The police said the suspect was arrested following a complaint by the victim, who alleged that he was shot by Mamatime.
A statement issued on Friday by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said three locally made pistols and one locally made single-barrelled gun were recovered from the suspect.
The command said preliminary investigations indicated that the shooting was linked to the victim’s decision to quit cultism.
The police alleged that the suspect was unhappy with the victim’s decision and attempted to force him to return to the confraternity, leading to an argument that resulted in the shooting.
The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, as commending the collaboration between the police and community youths.
“I commend the synergy between the operatives of Jesse Division and the community youths in the fight against cultism and other vices,” Oyeniyi said.
The police commissioner urged the groups to sustain the partnership and expand it to tackling drug abuse, kidnapping and other serious crimes in their communities.
He also called on members of the public, particularly young people, to stay away from cult-related activities.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigation into the case continues.
