As the countdown to the November 8, 2025 Anambra Governorship Election continues, the State Police Command has intensified efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process across the state.
In a major breakthrough, operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS), Enugu-Ukwu, working in synergy with Agunechemba Vigilante Operatives, have arrested seven suspected members of the Black Axe Confraternity.
The suspects were rounded up during a secret initiation ceremony in a bush at Obinagu, Abagana, in Njikoka Local Government Area, in the early hours of Sunday, October 26, 2025.
Police sources confirmed that the suspects were allegedly being groomed for political thuggery and violent activities ahead of the governorship election. The operation was carried out following credible intelligence reports.
Recovered from the scene were several incriminating items including a 25-litre keg containing a red liquid substance, a red ritual cloth, two wooden drums used in the initiation process, and footwear belonging to the suspects and their fleeing accomplices.
Those arrested have been identified as Ugorji Emmanuel (29 years), Ogamba Chinuike Anthony (22 years), Chibuzor Agudiegu (25 years), Destiny Okasi (22 years), Udewulu Nzube (19 years), Ifeanyi Anikpe (21 years), and Sunday Akuma (20 years).
According to the police, all suspects are male and hail from various communities across Njikoka and Anaocha Local Government Areas, where they were reportedly being recruited to cause unrest during the elections.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the initiation was part of their final “induction ritual” into the confraternity, allegedly sponsored by yet-to-be-identified political elements.
On sighting the approaching operatives, the suspects made frantic attempts to flee the scene. However, they were swiftly pursued and apprehended after a coordinated operation by the joint security team.
A senior security source disclosed that the operation followed days of intelligence-gathering which pointed to the planned initiation in the area. The source said the operatives acted promptly to forestall any escalation of violence.
“The operation was intelligence-driven. Our men surrounded the location quietly and made the arrests before the suspects could complete their ritual,” the source stated.
Investigations are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the cult group and to identify their financiers and political sponsors. The police believe the group may have links to other cult cells across Njikoka and Anaocha.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, while confirming the arrests, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response.
He reiterated that the Command will not tolerate any act of criminality, cultism, or political violence capable of threatening peace before, during, or after the election.
“The Nigeria Police Force will continue to act decisively against cultists and political thugs who believe violence can influence electoral outcomes. Anambra must remain peaceful before and after the polls,” CP Orutugu said.
He also appealed to parents, guardians, and community leaders to engage youths in meaningful activities and discourage them from joining cult groups or accepting inducements from politicians.
The Police Commissioner further called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that could endanger public safety. He assured that all information received will be treated with confidentiality.
Meanwhile, the arrested suspects are currently being interrogated at the Special Anti-Cult Squad Headquarters, Enugu-Ukwu. Upon completion of investigations, they will be arraigned in court for prosecution.
