The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a police officer in connection with the alleged death of a three-month-old baby in Okija, located in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
According to the command, the officer is currently being interrogated and subjected to internal disciplinary procedures in line with the regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.
In a separate operation, police operatives also arrested 17 suspected cultists during a raid carried out by the State Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU). The suspects were allegedly involved in cult-related activities, drug abuse, and other criminal acts.
Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, confirmed that all the suspects arrested were male. He explained that the operation followed credible intelligence reports and was conducted at a suspected hideout in Awka during the early hours of Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Items recovered from the suspects included substances suspected to be cannabis, containers of petroleum jelly, condoms, and other materials considered relevant to the investigation.
The suspects identified by the police include Okeke Ugochukwu, Okoro Christian, Goodluck Michael, Amuche Michael, Ojukwu Divine, Ikechukwu Chimeremeze, Obinna Ike, Nnamdi Desmond, Odibendi, Emmanuel Onyema, Omalico Eric, Duru Ifeanyi, Diamond Zikora, Charles Chukwuma, Ikem Vincent, Okeke Chibuzo, and Izunna Okoye.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspects are linked to the Vikings Confraternity, also known as “Bagger.” Police added that investigations are ongoing into other alleged unlawful activities connected to the group.
The command stated that a comprehensive investigation has begun to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement in cultism and other criminal offences, promising to provide updates as the case progresses.
Commissioner of Police Orutugu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to fighting cultism, drug abuse, and other crimes capable of threatening public peace in the state.
He also expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased baby and assured residents that the command would handle the matter professionally and transparently to ensure justice is served.
