Police arrest 22-year-old over murder linked to cult activities

The police in Imo State, located in Nigeria's South-east, have arrested a 22-year-old man over the murder of Okeke Nnamdi, which is believed to be linked to cult activities.

Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in Imo State, shared this information in a statement on Sunday.

Mr Okoye, who is a deputy superintendent of police, named the suspect as Bright Adiene.

He mentioned that Mr Nnamdi’s murder took place in Owerri and was reported on Saturday.

“The suspect is currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to catch one Anyima, who is also linked to the incident,” he said.

“Investigations are ongoing to figure out what happened and to identify everyone involved,” he added.

In response to the murder, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Bosso, held a strategic security meeting on Sunday. He met with area commanders, divisional police officers, and tactical team leaders.

The spokesperson noted that the commissioner met with the police leaders to review the security situation and improve operational strategies in the state.

“After the meeting, operational commanders were told to step up intelligence-led operations, carry out targeted raids on known criminal hideouts, increase patrols in security hotspots, and respond quickly to new threats,” he said.

According to the statement, Mr Bosso also instructed police chiefs to collaborate more with community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders. This collaboration aims to boost intelligence gathering and prevent more violence.

He urged parents and guardians to keep an eye on their children's activities and friendships, discourage them from joining cults, and report any relevant information to security agencies.

He warned that anyone involved in cult-related violence would face prosecution.

The police chief called on residents to stay calm, alert, and law-abiding. He encouraged them to provide any information that could help with investigations and security operations.

Cultism, also known as secret societies, is banned in Nigeria. The laws differ from state to state. Imo State has not yet passed its own anti-cultism law.

However, the state follows federal laws that criminalize cultism to prosecute offenders.

For instance, Section 62 of the Criminal Code Act makes it illegal to participate in or be a member of any cult group in Nigeria.

This section carries a penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment for those convicted.

Like cultism, murder is also a crime in Nigeria. Murder is specifically prohibited under Section 315 (6) of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act.

Those found guilty of murder face a death sentence, as stated in Section 319 (1). Many people have received the death penalty for murder across the country.