Delta Police Nab Suspected Cultist, Recover Firearm and Stolen Lexus Jeep in Sapele Raid

Operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team under the Delta State Police Command have arrested a suspected cultist and recovered a firearm and a stolen Lexus SUV during a series of coordinated raids on criminal hideouts in the state.

The police operation, part of an ongoing crackdown on violent cult groups and robbery gangs, led to the arrest of 31-year-old Rasheed Atanda, a native of Irinle community in Kwara State, who resides in Sapele town.

According to Delta Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the arrest was made on June 29, 2025, by operatives led by ASP Julius Robinson, acting on credible intelligence. The team stormed Yoruba Street in Sapele, where Atanda was apprehended.

Further investigations led to the arrest of three additional suspects: Charles Oyowe (36), from Obeda in Warri North LGA in possession of a Beretta pistol with three rounds of live ammunition, Rewane Ogbitse (49), from Jakpa, Warri South LGA, and Shedrack Oloko (44), from Ethiope East LGA

All suspects have reportedly confessed to being members of the Eiye Confraternity, a notorious cult group linked to violent crimes in the region.

SP Edafe revealed that the arrests followed a report alleging that the suspects, armed with dangerous weapons, invaded a residence, making away with: Expensive jewellery, Mobile phones, A Lexus 330 Jeep, registration number RBC 656 CN

Thanks to swift action and deployment of intelligence assets, police recovered the stolen SUV at Uti Road, off DSC Expressway, Ebrumede, at approximately 06:35 AM. Efforts are ongoing to track and arrest fleeing members of the gang, Edafe added.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the swift and coordinated response by the operatives.

"This successful operation highlights the importance of timely and credible information from members of the public,” the CP said.

"Proactive community engagement and the prompt reporting of criminal activities significantly enhance our capacity to act decisively and prevent further crimes.”

The arrested suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.