…… Recovers firearm, ammunition, and other incriminating exhibits
Police Operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad of Enugu State Command, between 6th and 7th July 2023 and at different locations of the State, busted and arrested eighteen male members of Black Axe Confraternity, thereby hatching their plans to execute sinister activities to mark the group’s 7/7-day celebration.
A statement on Monday, July 17, 2023, signed by the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said that their arrest, which was due to the operatives acting on an intelligence report, led to the recovery of one Pump Action gun with six live cartridges, one Sharp battle axe, three Black berets inscribed “Black Axe”, three black-yellow colour Face-caps inscribed “Ezeagu Sub Zone 7 7”, a yellow in colour Muffler and three Drums.
Among those arrested is one Nweke Chukwuemeka (a.k.a Anya-Oku) aged 22, identified as the Head of Kilimanjaro (KJ) Temple, which is the name for the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) cluster of the secret cult group. Others include: Edeh Obinna aged 24, Nku Chinedu aged 20, Chukwu Ikenna aged 38, Eze Odinaka aged 21, Obiora Nnamani aged 29, Onu Nwangwu aged 26, Ugwu Alexander aged 25, Benjamin Edeh aged 25, Ugwu Valentine Kingsley aged 24 and Nwafor Chiemerie David aged 25. Also arrested is Ugochukwu Victor Ikwuakolam aged 28, Ugwu Dickson aged 25, Chidiobi Onyekachi aged 31, Calistus Uzoechi aged 34, Eziechina Ikechukwu aged 21, Onyebuchi Udeh aged 23 and Onyemaobi Chigozie aged 35.
Ongoing investigation shows that suspects confessed to being members of Black Axe Confraternity and had unlawfully assembled in the locations of their arrest, to carry out illicit acts to mark the group’s 7/7-day celebration. Some of the suspects were found to have been previously arrested and arraigned in court for similar criminal acts.
The Command spokesperson further said that the suspects shall be arraigned in court once the ongoing investigation is concluded.
