Seven accused cultists who are purportedly being prepared for election thuggery during the November 8, 2025, governorship election have been taken into custody by the Anambra State Police Command.  

During their initiation ceremony in a bush in Obinagu, Abagana, in the state's Njikoka Local Government Area, the suspects were taken into custody.  

A 25-liter keg containing red liquid substance, red ritual cloth, two wooden drums, and the suspects' and other accomplices' footwear were also found at the scene, according to a press statement issued on Sunday by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command.

Ikenga said that the suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Sunday by personnel of the Special Anti-Cult Squad, Enugu-Ukwu, along with Agunechemba Vigilante members. It was later verified that the detainees were suspected members of the Black Axe Confraternity.

The statement read in part, “In its sustained efforts to curb cult-related violence and ensure a peaceful atmosphere ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election, operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad, Enugu-Ukwu in collaboration with Agunechemba Vigilante operatives, in the early hours of Sunday, October 26, 2025 arrested seven suspected members of the Black Axe Confraternity.

“The suspects were arrested during an initiation ceremony in a bush at Obinagu, Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area. One 25-litre keg containing red liquid substance, red ritual cloth, two wooden drums, footwear belonging to the suspects and other accomplices were also recovered at the scene.

“The suspects, all males include: Ugorji Emmanuel, 29 years; Ogamba Chinuike Anthony, 22 years; Chibuzor Agudiegu, 25 years; Destiny Okasi, 22 years; Udewulu Nzube, 19 years; Ifeanyi Anikpe, 21 years and Sunday Akuma, 20 years, respectively.

He claims that an investigation is underway to find further connected cult cells within the axis and to identify and apprehend escaping syndicate members.  

According to him, CP Ikioye Orutugu, the Commissioner of Police, has reaffirmed that the Command will not put up with actions that jeopardize the peace, particularly in the run-up to the governorship election.

Source