Police Arrest Two Notorious Cultists Over Deadly Gang Clashes in Port Harcourt
Rivers State Police have arrested two notorious cultists linked to recent deadly clashes in Diobu, Port Harcourt. The operation, aided by local vigilantes, led to the recovery of weapons and ammunition. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other cult members.
Enet
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested two notorious cultists linked to the recent gang violence and killings in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt.
The clashes between rival cult groups in the region recently claimed at least five lives, including a commercial cab driver who was fatally struck by a stray bullet.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 15, 2025, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrests, noting that the deployment of special unit operatives—acting on intelligence and in collaboration with local vigilantes—led to the capture of one of the suspects, Diseye Ukulu.
Ukulu, a 36-year-old from Bayelsa State, was arrested at his residence on Nnewi Street, Diobu, during a joint operation by the Special Operations and Intelligence Team (SOIT), Hawk Tactical Squad, and the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU).
The arrest is part of a broader effort to dismantle the Deygbam cult group and its affiliates, D12 and BS, who have been at the center of a violent turf war in the area.
Following Ukulu’s confession, officers raided the home of another suspect, Achionu Solomon Chukwuma, also known as "Solex", recovering a Scorpion VZ61 submachine gun, a fabricated English-made Beretta pistol, 20 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 2 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a pair of sunglasses with a screwdriver attachment.
All suspects and recovered items are currently in police custody. Investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the cult group.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to rid Rivers State of criminal elements and urged residents to share timely and credible information to aid Police efforts.
