… efforts ongoing to apprehend fleeing accomplices – Police Source
By Ezhine Jude
A serving police constable, identified as Chiwuike Victor, has been arrested by operatives of the Imo State Police Command after he was allegedly found with prohibited firearms and police kit during a suspected cult initiation ceremony in Owerri West Local Government Area.
According to Police sources, Victor was apprehended at Umuokomoche Nekede, a community in Owerri West, where security operatives stormed the gathering following a tip-off. During the operation, officers recovered two Beretta pistols, one locally made pistol, and a set of police camouflage uniform from the suspect.
The fact that the arrest was made during what is believed to be a cult initiation ceremony, raises fresh concerns about the infiltration of criminal groups by members of the security forces.
“On the strength of credible intelligence, operatives of the Imo State Police Command moved into Umuokomoche Nekede and arrested one Police Constable Chiwuike Victor,” a senior officer at the Command told reporters in Owerri on Wednesday.
“Items recovered from him include two Beretta pistols, one locally fabricated pistol, and police camouflage. The suspect was arrested at the scene of a suspected cult initiation.”
The officer added that Victor is currently in custody and is assisting investigators with information that could lead to the arrest of other persons linked to the incident.
The discovery has drawn sharp reactions from residents and community leaders in Nekede, who said they have been battling the activities of cult groups in the area for years. Many expressed shock that a serving officer would be allegedly involved.
“This is disappointing,” said a community leader who asked not to be named. “We expect those sworn to protect us to be the ones leading the fight against cultism, not participating in it. We hope the police will conduct a thorough investigation and make the findings public.”
The Imo State Police Command has at different fora warned that it has zero tolerance for misconduct and criminality among its personnel.
Sources closed to Police authorities have hinted that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further interrogation and possible prosecution.
Police authorities in Imo have in recent months intensified raids on suspected cult hideouts across Owerri and its environs, citing a rise in cult-related violence, especially around tertiary institutions and surrounding communities. The Command reiterated its call on residents to provide timely information to help curb the activities of secret cults.
Victor’s arrest adds to a growing list of disciplinary actions the Nigeria Police Force has taken against officers found culpable of aiding criminality. The Force has repeatedly warned that any officer found to be involved in cultism or illegal possession of firearms will face internal disciplinary procedures in addition to criminal prosecution.
A senior officer at the Command said the police will issue a full update once investigations are concluded.
The suspect, our paper learnt remains in detention as detectives trace the source of the firearms and determine the extent of his alleged involvement in the ceremony at Umuokomoche Nekede.
