Police bust forced cult initiation in remote forest, nab six Viking members

Abdullateef Fowewe

Operatives from the Enugu State Police Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad have dismantled a violent forced initiation ritual by the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, arresting six suspects in Enugu North Local Government Area.

Acting on credible intelligence, the squad raided a forest at Ugwu Peak, Iva Valley, where the group allegedly coerced victims into the cult. Items seized included a locally made double-barrelled pistol, four cutlasses used in the rituals, and two empty bottles of Squadron rum consumed during the ceremony.

According to a statement by the police, items recovered during the operation include a locally made double-barrelled pistol, four cutlasses allegedly used in carrying out the acts, and two empty bottles of Squadron rum reportedly consumed during the initiation.

The suspects were identified as Edeh Francis Chigbo, also known as “Saint”, aged 22; Ogbu Fabulous, alias “Nwakanwa”, aged 23; Odom Chiemerie, popularly called “Coded”, aged 28; Nweke Anayo, known as “Chaplet”, aged 22; Obumneme Obiechina, alias “Biggy”, aged 30; and Chigozie Ugbene, also known as “God Bless”, aged 20.

Police said the suspects confessed to being members of the secret cult and admitted their involvement in the alleged activities. They are expected to be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to eliminating cultism and other criminal activities in the state, especially during the festive period.

He urged residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and to promptly report suspicious activities to the Police.