Police operatives in Rivers State have dismantled a violent cult network responsible for a series of deadly clashes in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt. The operation follows months of intensified investigation into escalating rivalry between the Blood Suckers (BS) and D12 factions of the Deygbam secret cult group.
The clashes, which erupted in May 2025, claimed multiple lives and created widespread fear among residents of Diobu. Authorities say the renewed violence prompted a strategic security response aimed at neutralizing the groups’ operational strongholds.
According to the Rivers State Police Command, several high-profile suspects linked to the cult activities have been arrested as part of coordinated raids across the area.
The suspects in custody include Diepreye Gogo-Abite, 43; Godsfollow Monday, 30; Ifeanyi Sampson, 28; Gift Emmanuel, 28; Friday Godwin, 24; Chukwemeka Dike, 31; Brown Otu, 23; and Dieseyi Ukulu, 43.
Police report that a cache of illegal weapons was recovered during the operation. The arms were found concealed in a black bag at the residence of Ukulu following what investigators described as a “critical confession.”
Recovered items include one Scorpion VZ61 submachine gun, one fabricated English-made Beretta pistol, 20 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, two rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and a pair of sunglasses believed to be used as disguise.
In a related development, police arrested Chidiebere Nwaiwu, also known as “Daddy,” on August 26, 2025. He was identified as the group’s chief armourer and allegedly involved in an extensive gunrunning operation.
Authorities said Nwaiwu died in hospital on August 27, 2025, after falling ill in custody. His remains have been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.
Investigators disclosed that prior to his arrest, Nwaiwu had participated in planning an ambush on police operatives deployed to the Rumuosi–Rumuagholu axis. The planned attack was reportedly linked to an ongoing land dispute and was coordinated with two other suspects, Michael Ejike (popularly known as Effizy) and Clinton Anwusor.
Police later apprehended Michael Ejike on September 16, 2025, in Imo State, where he had gone into hiding. Officers say Ejike provided further insight into the group’s operations during interrogation.
He reportedly confessed to retrieving weapons from Nwaiwu’s home through his sister on the instructions of Ugochukwu Ukeagbu, also known as Ugo King, identified as the leader of the Blood Suckers faction.
The police command stated that efforts are ongoing to recover more arms and track down additional collaborators involved in the cult network.
Officials explained that the command’s silence during the early stages of the investigation was deliberate, aimed at preventing panic and avoiding tipping off potential accomplices.
The suspects already in custody are now facing prosecution in court, while Ejike and Anwusor will be charged once investigations into their roles are concluded.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, commended the bravery and professionalism of the operatives involved in the raids, describing the operations as crucial to restoring peace in the affected communities.
He also praised residents of Diobu for cooperating with law enforcement and urged continued vigilance as security efforts persist across the state.
