The suspects were said to have gathered and were planning for an initiation party.
The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Taiwo Lakanu, while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Owerri said the command got wind of an intelligence report of a plan by the suspects, believed to be members of AYE confraternity to disrupt the peace of Nekede axis within the state during their initiation party.
He said thorough investigations have commenced and they will be charged to court accordingly.
The commissioner said the police in the state will continue to work assiduously to ensure that crime in the state is brought to its barest minimal.
According to him, “Considering the spate of cultism in the state and following a tactically coordinated operation by operatives of the State Police Command through credible source stormed the initiation party organised by the cultists for new members within the Nekede area of Owerri”.
“On the receipt of the information, covert operatives of the Command were promptly mobilized and dispatched to the area to monitor the situation. Notable flashpoints within Nekede and environs namely, ‘South Africa’, ‘Shrine Tree Square’ and Pentagon Bar Umuofocha’ were surrounded and cordoned off by ever ready operatives.
“As a result, 39 suspected cultists, who converged in the aforementioned location for initiation and other cult activities, were rounded up.
“The suspects have made useful statements confessing their membership of the Aiye confraternity. Thorough investigation has commenced with the view of charging the suspects to court accordingly,” he said. (Channels TV)
•Photo shows Imo Police Commissioner Taiwo Lakanu.
