Police Arrest Wanted Suspected Cultist in Delta, Recover Four Pistols

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of the Aye Confraternity and recovered four locally fabricated firearms following an operation in Jesse, Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.

The command said the arrest followed a complaint by a resident who alleged that he was shot by the suspect, identified as Oghenebuba Mamatime, on July 21, 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said operatives attached to the Jesse Division, working in collaboration with community youths, tracked down and arrested the 28-year-old suspect.

Edafe described Mamatime as a suspected cultist who had been on the command's wanted list.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly attacked the victim after the latter refused to return to cult activities.

The command said the disagreement stemmed from the victim's decision to renounce membership of the Eiye Confraternity, adding that the suspect allegedly attempted to force him back into the group before opening fire during the altercation.

During the operation, police recovered three locally fabricated pistols and one locally made single-barrel gun from the suspect.

The suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue.

Reacting to the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the collaboration between police officers and community youths, describing it as crucial to the fight against cultism and other violent crimes.

He urged residents to sustain the partnership with law enforcement agencies by providing timely information to combat cult-related violence, kidnapping, drug abuse and other criminal activities across the state.

The commissioner also advised young people to shun cultism and pursue legitimate means of achieving their goals, reiterating the command's commitment to maintaining security and protecting lives and property in Delta State.