Inside Enugu’s anti-cultism crackdown: how one suspect’s confession led to the arrest of three cultists in Udi

Inside Enugu’s anti-cultism crackdown: how one suspect’s confession led to the arrest of three cultists in Udi

By: Zagazola Makama

For weeks, residents of Umuasi Ngwo in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State lived with an uneasy silence. Whispers of cult-related violence, extortion, and intimidation crept through the community like a shadow.

But in the early hours of July 21, a breakthrough by the Anti-Cultism Squad of the Enugu State Police Command brought a glimmer of hope.

It all began with the confession of a 31-year-old cult suspect, Ikemefuna Ani, popularly known as “Majority,” who was already in custody and undergoing investigation for cult-related offenses.

According to sources within the Anti-Cultism Unit, Ani’s detailed statement cracked open what had long been a closely guarded network. Acting on his revelations, the Officer in Charge of the squad led a pre-dawn operation to Umuasi Ngwo at about 4:30 a.m.

The result was the arrest of three notorious cultists: Stephen Chidiebere Ugwu (alias “Shaggy”), aged 42; Arinze Udeh (alias “Anonymous”), aged 30; and Onuigbo Kingsley, all residents of the area and self-confessed members of the Black Axe confraternity.

Their arrest marks a significant milestone in Enugu’s ongoing efforts to rid its communities of cult-related violence and criminality.

One locally fabricated cut-to-size double-barrel gun was recovered during the raid, further strengthening suspicions that the cultists were involved in activities far beyond mere fraternity.

“These are not just men hanging out in secret corners. They’re part of a dangerous network that has, for too long, threatened the peace and safety of our people,” said a senior officer involved in the operation.

The suspects, now in police custody, reportedly confessed to longstanding involvement in cult activities ranging from intimidation of residents to violent clashes with rival groups. Some community members who spoke to NAN under anonymity said the suspects had long been feared figures in the neighbourhood.

“People avoided them. We knew they were up to no good, but fear kept everyone quiet,” said a youth leader in Umuasi Ngwo.

The Police Command says discreet investigations are ongoing and that more arrests may follow as operatives continue to unravel the network’s operations across the state.

Police sources have reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism, urging citizens to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies.

“We are taking proactive steps. Anyone involved in cultism should know there’s no hiding place. Communities are safer when the people support our work with information,” he said.

This latest development adds to the growing list of successful operations by Enugu’s Anti-Cultism Squad, which has intensified its crackdown on secret cults in both urban and rural areas.

For the people of Umuasi Ngwo, the arrests bring a renewed sense of security. But as investigations continue, residents hope the momentum won’t stop with these three.

“There are more of them out there,” said one elderly resident. “We just pray the police won’t stop until they clean up everything.”

Inside Enugu’s anti-cultism crackdown: how one suspect’s confession led to the arrest of three cultists in Udi