Crime
Cultists who beheaded, played soccer with head of rival, arrested in Anambra (video)
A video had trended last year September, showing some young men, suspected to be cultists, who dragged out another young man, suspected to be a member of a rival cult group, gunned him down in cold blood, after which they beheaded him.
Another part of the video showed the young men playing soccer with the head of the dreadlocks-carrying rival cultist, after he had been beheaded, while making jest of it.
Sources said the incident had happened in Igbariam, Anambra East Local Government Area, same community that hosts the State-owned university, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), while the head was taken to the State capital, Awka, where the youths used it to play.
In a video currently trending, two young cultists: Chisom Okafor and Ikechukwu Chinweze, aged 23 and 19 who were being questioned by men suspected to be police officers, they accepted to being members of Ayes cult and that they have participated in several killings.
23-year-old Chisom Okafor, was seen in the video confessing: “I’m also known as Stamina. I’m from Igboukwu, but my mum is from Awka. I am 23 years old. I belong to Ayes cult group, and have killed only three people before.”
He named two persons out of the three he has killed. They include Edu Obara and Savage. Both are suspected cultists who were murdered in 2021 and beheaded in like manner. While Edu Obara was killed in Igbariam, Savage was killed and beheaded in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area, and his trunk taken to Awka.
He continued in his confession: “I was among the cultists who went to Obj’s place (just nickname) and killed some security men. We were seven in number that went for the operation. I dropped out of school, but I’m a tiler, and I do tiling very well.”
Okafor in the video also mentioned the names of the seven members of their cult who participated in the operation against security men.
Another cultist, who was also interviewed in the video said: “I’m Ikechukwu Chinweze, I’m 19 years, from Umuzocha in Awka. I’m a school leaver, I was learning phone repairs before I met Chisom here in Ifite.”
Meanwhile, some residents of Anambra State have stated that the man named Savage, who was killed last year, was the same person, whose head was used to play soccer, suggesting that the now arrested cultists were responsible for the act.
Iyke Orji, an Anambra indigene said: “Some group of boys have been caught and at state CID Awka now.
“They confessed that they’re the boys that were playing ball with human skull some time ago that went viral on social media,
“They confessed that they were the boys that attacked and killed security men at Miracle Junction Awka.
“They confessed that they killed someone (Savage) at Oko, took the body from Oko to Awka and decapitated the body at Amaenyi Awka.
“One of them is 19. None is above 25.”
A source said the venue of the interview was at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), but when DAILY POST reached out to the State police command to verify the video, the spokesperson of the command, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga pleaded for time to do so.
As of the time of filing this report, the PPRO, Ikenga was yet to get back to our correspondent.
See video below
The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has wrapped up marathon strategy meetings involving its presidential candidate, Peter Obi; national leader, Seriake Dickson; National Working Committee members and other key stakeholders ahead of Monday’s (today) appeal against the court ruling that nullified its registration.
The development comes barely 48 hours after the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC.
The ruling has intensified political tensions and drawn condemnation from opposition leaders who insist the decision is aimed at weakening opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general election.
A senior party official disclosed that the party leadership had been holding back-to-back emergency meetings to finalise its legal strategy before approaching the Court of Appeal on Monday.
According to him, Obi, Dickson, the party’s national chairman, national secretary and other members of the party’s leadership attended Saturday’s closed-door meeting, while another emergency session was held on Sunday to fine-tune preparations for the appeal.
“Yes, a number of closed-door meetings have taken place since the Kogi High Court judgment went viral. For instance, Obi, Senator Dickson, the party chairman, the secretary and other executives were in yesterday’s meeting.
“Even as we speak, there is another emergency meeting ongoing ahead of tomorrow’s appeal.
“However, we are not privy yet to who will lead the legal team. What I only know is that the NDC National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, will play a key role in it,” the source said.
The National Secretary of the party, Ikenna Enekweizu, who spoke to our correspondent on the sidelines of a recent press briefing, confirmed that the appeal would be filed on Monday.
Enekweizu, however, declined to disclose the identity of the counsel that would lead the legal battle.
He said, “I don’t think it’s appropriate at this time for us to announce who our legal team leader will be. By the time we file our processes on Monday, you will know those who are in the team and who the leader is. I don’t know if that answers your question.”
The lawyer described the Lokoja judgment as unprecedented and lacking any legal foundation, insisting that the party remained convinced it would secure victory on appeal.
“This is the worst thing that can happen in judiciary. That ruling has no legal basis. There is no precedent in law that can justify it.
“So, obviously, we see it as part of the attempts by the powers that be to further shrink the democratic process in Nigeria.
“I’m sure we are aware that recently, some parties, by virtue of a judicial ruling, were ordered to be deregistered.
“What they were attempting to do was to ensure that we do not take part in the democratic process that is still ongoing. But I can assure you that it will not happen. Our candidates will definitely participate in the forthcoming elections.
“Of course, we have a strong conviction that the judiciary is still the last hope of the common man in Nigeria. The court that delivered the ruling is not the highest court and it’s not the last court in the land. We’ll see our appeal process through to its ultimate end.
“I can assure you that all our candidates, from presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, his running mate and all our candidates up to the House of Assembly level, will all be on the ballot,” he stated.
Kwankwaso meets Dickson
The National Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that no temporary setback would weaken the Nigeria Democratic Congress as the party grapples with the recent court ruling setting aside its recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Kwankwaso stated this after paying a courtesy visit to the National Leader of the NDC, former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, in Abuja on Sunday.
The former Kano State governor disclosed the visit in a post on his verified Facebook page, saying the meeting formed part of efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Today, I paid a courtesy visit to the National Leader of our party, the NDC, His Excellency Seriake Dickson, at his residence in Abuja,” Kwankwaso wrote.
“The engagement forms part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the party’s unity, resilience and strategic readiness as we prepare for the 2027 general elections.”
He expressed confidence that the party would overcome its current legal challenges, insisting that its members remained committed to democratic principles and the rule of law.
“As true democrats, we remain committed to the rule of law and have absolute confidence in the judicial process,” he said.
“No temporary setback can weaken the spirit of a movement built on hope, justice, equity and the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people.”
Kwankwaso also appealed to members and supporters of the party not to be discouraged by the recent developments.
“I urge all party members, supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to stay calm, resolute and focused on our shared mission. Together, we will rise above every challenge,” he added.
“Nigeria will be OK.”
…Hails Gov Mbah’s investment in modern security infrastructure
The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Tunji Disu, has hailed the Governor Peter Mbah Administration for setting up what he described as a state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre for effective surveillance of the state.
Disu, who expressed surprise at the sophistication of the security infrastructure, wished every other state could come over to understudy the Command and Control Centre and set up one to boost security of lives and property in every part of the country.
The IGP spoke during a tour of the facility on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation, Enugu, strategic partnership between the Mbah Administration and the Godfrey Okoye University to promote scientific evidence-based justice and war against criminality.
“I must confess that I am surprised we have this kind of facility here in this state because you know I worked for Lagos. I know we had something like this in Lagos, but the advancement of this present one amazed me.
“This is a control room that has a lot of facilities with the ability to see almost everywhere in this state. There is no place that is left ungoverned from the control room. We can see the forest. We can zoom in – I think over 40 per cent – to be able to see far away. We can zoom in close to 30 kilometers away. That is great security.
“I wish every state in Nigeria will come here and emulate what is happening. I have seen AI-embedded cameras. I have seen officers dedicated to certain areas of the state watching, seeing what is happening.
“I have also seen records of the successes recorded through this control room. One more time, I wish all the states in Nigeria will come around, see what is happening here and emulate it,” Disu said.
He equally commended the Distress Response Squad, a special police unit with over 150 security vehicles installed with AI-enabled cameras and also linked to the Command and Control Centre.
“I moved around. I saw the state’s DRS and then we put them to test. They did not know I was listening to them. We put them to test. We asked them to move to a certain part of the town and within two, three, four minutes, they were there. It shows their efficiency.
“Then I am sure you know I was the former commander of the Rapid Response Force in Lagos too and then I do not want to mention here which is better – whether the DRS here or the Rapid Response Force. But the most important thing is that they have shown efficiency. They have shown capacity and I thank the governor of this state for investing in security of the people of the state,” he stated.
It is recalled that the Command and Control Centre was formally inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu during his official visit to Enugu State on January 4, 2025.
Crime
Anambra Community Leaders Meet Police Over Murder of 23-Year-Old Female Student as Police Smash Cult Hideout in Awada
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Community leaders from Alor in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State have met with the Anambra State Police Command over the murder of a 23-year-old female student in her residence.
The meeting comes as operatives of the Command’s IGP-led Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) uncovered a suspected cultists’ hideout in Awada, Idemili North Local Government Area.
The delegation visited the Police Command to discuss the ongoing investigation into the suspected murder of the student and to reaffirm the community’s support for efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga:
“The visit was also aimed at supporting the Police investigation and ensuring that justice is served. During the engagement, the delegation provided useful information to assist investigators, reaffirmed the community’s commitment to collaborating with the Police, and expressed their collective resolve to support all lawful efforts geared towards uncovering the circumstances surrounding the incident and bringing the perpetrators to justice.”
He added:
“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, during the interactive session, reassured the stakeholders of the Command’s commitment to unraveling the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensuring that all persons found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with the law.”
The Police Commissioner also urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and provide credible information that could assist the ongoing investigation.
Speaking after the meeting, the President-General of Alor Community, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, commended the Police for their prompt response and professionalism in handling the case. He expressed confidence in the investigation and pledged the community’s continued cooperation to ensure justice is served.
Meanwhile, operatives attached to the IGP Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), on the evening of June 20, 2026, recovered two AK-47 magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and other police-related items during a sustained raid on a suspected cultists’ hideout at Nwaziki Street, Awada, Idemili North Local Government Area.
Although no suspect was arrested during the operation, the Police said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects, establish ownership of the recovered exhibits, and dismantle any criminal network linked to the items recovered.
ABUJA — The Senate has passed the State Police Bill, introducing a new policing structure across the country, but with strict provisions preventing existing local and regional security outfits from automatically transforming into state police agencies or bearing firearms.
The bill, which is part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process, stipulates that security outfits such as Amotekun in the South-West, Ebube Agu in the South-East, Hisbah in parts of the North and other community-based security groups will not automatically assume the status of state police services once the law takes effect.
Under Section 25(5) of the proposed legislation, no existing state, local, community, vigilante, neighbourhood, traffic or other security outfit shall become a State Police Service merely by virtue of the constitutional amendment.
The provision further states that such organisations will not be permitted to exercise police powers or carry firearms unless specifically authorised under the Constitution and an Act of the National Assembly.
The clause is designed to ensure that any future state police formation follows a formal constitutional and legal process rather than evolving from existing regional security structures.
The Senate also included safeguards against abuse of the proposed state police system.
Under the bill, each state police service will be headed by a Commissioner of Police, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the State House of Assembly. Governors may issue lawful policy directives on matters relating to public safety and order.
However, the legislation expressly prohibits a state police commissioner from arresting, detaining, investigating or deploying force against any individual, political party or group merely for criticising the government, except in accordance with the law.
To strengthen accountability, the bill allows either the Inspector-General of Police or a State Commissioner of Police to seek a review of any directive considered unlawful or inconsistent with national policing standards. Such disputes may also be challenged in court.
The proposed law further provides that a state police commissioner cannot be suspended or removed arbitrarily. Removal must be based on stated grounds, follow the principles of fair hearing, receive a recommendation from the National Police Council and secure the approval of at least two-thirds of members of the State House of Assembly.
The legislation also outlines circumstances under which the Federal Police Service may intervene in the operations of a state police service. These include situations where public order has broken down, where a state police service becomes incapable of performing its duties, or where there is evidence of systematic abuse of powers, partisan intimidation, ethnic or religious persecution, or threats to national security.
Any federal intervention must be temporary, proportionate and authorised by the President, with the action remaining subject to judicial review.
The bill additionally proposes the establishment of a State Police Service Commission in every state to oversee recruitment, promotions, discipline and accountability within state police services.
Having secured Senate approval, the bill will now proceed to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for ratification. For the constitutional amendment to take effect, it must be approved by at least 24 state assemblies.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that a police officer was seen fraternizing with armed bandits in Katsina State, describing the narrative attached to a viral video as false, misleading, and deliberately intended to misinform the public.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, clarified that the armed individuals captured in the video are not bandits but duly recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters working alongside security agencies in Katsina State.
According to the police, the video showed a routine interaction between a police officer and community security volunteers who were on their way to a designated operational area in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas as part of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity and protect local communities.
The Force said any suggestion that the officer was collaborating with criminal elements is entirely false and malicious. It stressed that the volunteers featured in the footage are legitimate partners in security operations and are actively supporting law enforcement efforts in the affected areas.
The police further condemned what it described as the deliberate distortion of facts and the spread of misinformation capable of creating public panic, eroding confidence in security institutions, and undermining ongoing operations against criminal groups.
Reaffirming its commitment to community-based policing, the NPF urged Nigerians to disregard the claims attached to the video and rely only on information released through official police and government channels. The Force also warned that individuals involved in creating or spreading false information capable of threatening public peace and security could face legal consequences.
TheInsightLensProject.com is a data-driven open-source intelligence and analysis platform delivering insights on Nigeria, Africa, and global affairs.
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