The Delta State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on cultism with the arrest of a suspected notorious cultist and the recovery of four locally fabricated firearms in Jesse, Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.
The Command said the suspect, Oghenebuba Mamatime, 28, who is allegedly a member of the Eiye Confraternity, was arrested on July 21, 2026, by operatives of the Jesse Division in collaboration with community youths.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the suspect had been on the Command’s wanted list for allegedly shooting a man along Ujomi Road in Jesse on July 2.
Edafe disclosed that three locally made pistols and one locally made single-barrel gun were recovered from the suspect during the operation.
He said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly attacked the victim following a disagreement over the latter’s decision to renounce cultism.
“The suspect, who is a member of the Eiye Confraternity, was unhappy with the victim over his decision to quit cultism. In a bid to force him back into the confraternity, an argument ensued, which led to the shooting,” the police spokesman stated.
He added that the suspect is currently in police custody while investigations continue.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the collaboration between officers of the Jesse Division and community youths, describing it as a model for effective community policing.
The police commissioner urged residents to sustain the partnership by providing timely information that would aid the fight against cultism, kidnapping, drug abuse and other criminal activities.
He also advised youths across the state to steer clear of cult-related activities and embrace lawful and productive ventures.
