Port Harcourt, Rivers State – In a significant breakthrough against cultism and violent crime, operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have apprehended Diseiye Ukulu, a 36-year-old notorious cultist implicated in the recent spate of killings plaguing the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
Ukulu, a native of Bayelsa State residing on Nnewi Street, Diobu, was taken into custody through a joint operation involving police personnel and members of the Diobu local vigilante group.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest on Wednesday, hailing it as a major stride in line with Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju’s directive to dismantle criminal networks across the state. SP Iringe-Koko stated that the operation was intelligence-driven, specifically targeting the ongoing inter-confraternity clashes between the D12 and BS cult groups. Both factions are affiliated with the notorious Dey-Gbam cult, which has been linked to the recent wave of violence in Diobu.
Following Ukulu’s confession, operatives swiftly raided the residence of Achionu Solomon Chukwuma, also known as Solex. The raid yielded a cache of dangerous weapons, including one Scorpion VZ61 submachine gun, one locally fabricated English-made Beretta pistol, 20 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, two rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and a pair of sunglasses containing a concealed screwdriver.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in police custody as discreet investigations continue to apprehend other members of the cult group.
Commissioner of Police Adepoju reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring all perpetrators of crime in the state are brought to justice. He further urged residents to continue providing timely and useful information to assist police operations, emphasizing the crucial role of community cooperation in maintaining peace and order.
