Abia Police Arrest Suspected Cultists and Vandal

The Abia Police Command has arrested four men suspected of being part of a criminal gang and one other person for stealing and damaging government properties. They also recovered firearms and other items during the operation.

In a statement released on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, named the suspects. They are Obioma Nmeribe, 22 years old, Emmanuel Lekwechi, 25 years old, Ikemefulla ThankGod Amadi, also 25, and Bright Nnabugu, who is 31 years old.

The police recovered several items from the suspects. These include one Beretta pistol with eight rounds, one locally made pistol, two live cartridges, and one live ammunition. They also found two black berets, one cutlass, one digger, one locally made single-barrel long gun, one expended cartridge, and one cutter with high-tension wire.

The PPRO explained, "On Tuesday, 07/07/2026, based on credible information that a gang of about 50 had gathered at the Ubakala area for cult activities, the Violent Crime Response Unit operatives rushed to the scene."

According to the statement, they arrested Obioma Nmeribe, Emmanuel Lekwechi, and Ikemefulla ThankGod Amadi. They recovered the Beretta pistol, the locally made pistol, two live cartridges, one live ammunition, two black berets, one cutlass, and one digger from them.

The police also mentioned that the day before, on Monday, 06/07/2026, they worked with other security agencies under Operation Crush. They arrested Bright Nnabugu from Umuobasi, Ugunabor LGA, and found a locally made single-barrel long gun, one expended cartridge, and a cutter with high-tension wire in his possession.

The police said, "Investigation is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court once the investigation is complete."

CP Danladi Isa, the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, advised the public to keep working with the police. He urged everyone to report any security issues to the nearest police station to help keep the state safe.