The Rivers State Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in its crackdown on cult-related violence in Diobu, Port Harcourt, with the arrest of key members of the notorious Deygbam cult network and the recovery of high-caliber firearms.
According to a press release statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the operation was the culmination of an intensive investigation into violent clashes between rival factions, Blood Suckers (BS) and D12, which erupted in May 2025 and claimed multiple lives, leaving residents gripped with fear.
The clashes, which threw the Diobu community into chaos for weeks, were marked by several reprisal attacks that forced many residents to flee their homes before police intervention restored calm.
The suspects arrested include:
Diepreye Gogo-Abite, 43
Godsfollow Monday, 30
Ifeanyi Sampson, 28
Gift Emmanuel, 28
Friday Godwin, 24
Chukwemeka Dike, 31
Brown Otu, 23
Dieseyi Ukulu, 43
Recovered from the suspects were a Scorpion VZ61 submachine gun, a fabricated English-made Beretta pistol, 20 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, two rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and a pair of screwdrivers (sunglasses).
The weapons were discovered concealed in a black bag at Ukulu’s residence following his confession.
The police also confirmed that one of the group’s notorious armourers, Chidiebere Nwaiwu (popularly known as Daddy), was arrested on August 26, 2025, for his role in gunrunning.
He reportedly died in the hospital the following day after falling ill.
Before his arrest, Daddy was allegedly plotting an ambush to attack police officers deployed to the Rumuosi/Rumuagholu axis over a land dispute, in collaboration with Michael Ejike (alias Effizy) and Clinton Anwusor.
Ejike was later apprehended in Imo State on September 16, 2025, after going into hiding.
During interrogation, he confessed to removing weapons from Daddy’s residence through his sister, acting under the instructions of Ugochukwu Ukeagbu (alias Ugo King), the suspected leader of the Blood Suckers faction.
READ ALSO: Stolen Hilux Found: Police Arrest Kano Deputy Governor’s Driver
Police say efforts are ongoing to track down more suspects, recover additional arms, and completely dismantle the cult network.
The Command explained that its temporary silence on the investigation was a deliberate strategy to avoid tipping off accomplices and ensure a successful operation.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism, describing their actions as a testament to the Command’s resolve to rid Rivers State of organized crime.
“These arrests have restored peace to Diobu and its environs. We appreciate the cooperation of residents and urge continued vigilance,” CP Adepoju stated.
The arrested suspects are already facing prosecution in court, while others, including Ejike and Anwusor, will be charged upon conclusion of ongoing investigations.