The Anambra State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against cult-related violence and armed robbery with the arrest of a notorious cultist linked to a recent spate of killings, abductions, and violent attacks in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) based in Awkuzu arrested one Chukwujekwu Michael Okoye, popularly known as “Bus-Stop,” on July 7, 2025. The 25-year-old suspect was apprehended in connection with a series of coordinated attacks that occurred in early June, including the murder of two individuals, the injury of two others, and the abduction of two victims who were later released after ransom was paid.
The police also recovered one automatic pump-action gun and two mobile phones from the suspect during the operation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Okoye is a ranking member of the Aye Confraternity, holding a leadership position referred to as “Lord.” He reportedly confessed to robbing a victim at gunpoint on May 22, 2025, in Oko, stealing a mobile phone and other valuables.
The suspect further admitted to being involved in the June 19 attack in Oko alongside six other gang members. He also disclosed that plans had been concluded for a fresh initiation ceremony and a rival cult attack scheduled for the day of his arrest, July 7.
In response to the new intelligence, the police have launched a manhunt for other members of the gang as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the criminal network responsible for terrorizing communities in Anambra State.