A suspected cultist, 26-year-old Anyanwu Izuchukwu Gabriel, was on Saturday evening rescued from the grips of an angry mob and arrested by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command.
The operation, which took place at about 8pm on June 8, was carried out by a joint team of officers from the Independence Layout Division, the Anti-Cultism Squad, and members of the Neighbourhood Watch, following actionable intelligence.
Spokesperson of the command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday, disclosing that a locally fabricated Beretta pistol was recovered from the suspect at the scene.
“The suspect, who sustained severe bodily injuries from the mob, is currently receiving medical treatment under police supervision,” Ndukwe revealed.
He further added: “During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity. Discreet investigations are ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplices.”
The arrest has sparked conversations around mob justice and community-police collaboration.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the swift and coordinated efforts of the operatives and the Neighbourhood Watch members in averting what could have been a fatal mob attack.
“The synergy between the police and community stakeholders is yielding positive results,” Giwa said, while urging continuous cooperation.
However, the police boss issued a strong warning against mob action and jungle justice, describing such acts as counterproductive to effective law enforcement.
“Acts of mob violence obstruct justice, destroy evidence, and can lead to innocent deaths. We must allow the law to take its course,” he cautioned.
