The police command in Delta state has arrested nine alleged cultists in separate operations at Obiaruku and Issele-Ikpitime. A fabricated single-barrelled gun was recovered during the raid.

In a statement on Wednesday, Bright Edafe, the command’s spokesman, said the suspects were arrested on Sunday after executing a search warrant on premises along Ghana Quarters Street, Umuebu Road, Obiaruku. The search led to the recovery of the gun, one live cartridge, quantities of suspected illicit drugs, one battle axe, mobile phones and a laptop computer.

The suspects are Wisdom Enede, 25; Ocheli Solomon, 42; Nnaji Godstime, 23; Izu Thankgod, 28; Kester Adishi, 31; Oghonogho Pentecost, 28; and Adishi Prince, 28.

During preliminary interrogation, Mr Edafe said, the suspects allegedly admitted being members of the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities and made statements regarding their alleged involvement in internet fraud.

He said the investigation was ongoing to establish their individual roles, the source of the recovered firearm, and possible links to other criminal activities.

Mr Edafe said that on Saturday, police operatives from the Onicha-Olona Division responded to a reported cult-related attack on residents of Issele-Ikpitime.

Emmanuel Believe, 29, and Israel Nwaobi, 27, both of Issele-Ikpitime, were also nabbed, along with a cut-to-size gun.