Police in Delta State said they have recorded breakthrough in the fight against cultism and unlawful possession of firearms with the arrest of a suspect and recovery of four locally made guns.
Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Command who confirmed the incident said operatives acted on a complaint received from a male victim (name withheld), who reported that he was shot by one Oghenebuba Mamatime, on July 21, 2026 at about 5pm.
Edafe, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said that operatives of Jesse Division in a combined effort with some community youths in Jesse, arrested Mamatime, 28-year-old, alleged to be a notorious cultist and member of Eiye Confraternity.
The PPRO added that the suspect had been on the command’s wanted list for allegedly shooting a victim on July 2, 2026, along Ujomi Road, Jesse Town.
He disclosed that following the arrest, 3 locally made pistols and 1 locally made single-barreled gun were recovered from the suspect.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, who is a member of Eiye confraternity, was unhappy with the victim over his decision to quit cultism, and in a bid to force him back into the confraternity, an argument ensued which led to the shooting.
The suspect is in custody, and investigation is ongoing.”
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has commended the synergy between operatives of Jesse division and the community youths in the fight against cultism and other vices.
He urged them to maintain the synergy, which he said should not be limited to cultism but extended to drug abuse, kidnapping and other serious crimes in their locality.
The CP also advised members of the public, particularly the youths, to shun all forms of cult-related activities.
