Delta State police have arrested five suspected cultists in connection with the brutal murder of a young man in Issele-Asagba, following the widespread circulation of a video showing the attack. The incident, which took place on October 27, 2026, sparked public outrage after footage of the victim being butchered with a machete went viral on social media platforms.
The arrests were carried out under the direct orders of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, who directed operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU) in Asaba to identify and apprehend those responsible. Acting on this directive, police intensified intelligence-led operations to track down the perpetrators.
On November 3, 2026, officers raided a suspected hideout along Ugbolu–Amachai Road, where they arrested four suspected members of the Black Axe confraternity. The suspects, identified as Ifechukwudi Okafor (26), Michael Okoro (26), Freedom Iloh (28), and Chinasa Akwuo (29), were found in possession of one pump-action gun, a dagger, and suspected illicit substances during the raid.
Further investigative efforts led to the arrest of a fifth suspect, Infione Solomon Omefe, 27, on November 4, 2026. According to police, Omefe confessed to participating in the murder depicted in the viral video. Authorities stated that efforts are currently ongoing to apprehend other individuals implicated in the killing.
CP Erale condemned the killing and assured residents that those responsible would be brought to justice. He warned against cultism and violent crimes, reaffirming the command’s commitment to sustained operations against criminal groups.
The details were disclosed in a statement issued in Asaba on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe. In the statement, CP Erale urged residents to provide credible information to the police regarding the incident, assuring them that all communications would be treated with strict confidentiality.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
