Eight suspected cultists arrested over assault on Bayelsa varsity student

Eight people, including six students of the Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma, have been taken into custody by the Bayelsa State Police Command over the alleged violent assault of an undergraduate.

The victim, identified as Prince Hansen, a 300-level NDU student, was reportedly attacked inside a hotel on Mike Okokpo Street in Yenagoa after a disagreement linked to an alleged N70,000 debt.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Musa Mohammed, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Saturday. He said operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit acted swiftly after receiving information from a concerned resident about the incident, which happened at about 10 p.m. on July 14.

According to Mohammed, “Following a distress call by a public-spirited individual along Mike Okokpo Street, Yenagoa, that a group of eight young men suspected to be cultists lodged in a hotel ganged up and beat one Prince Hansen, a 300-level student of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, within the hotel premises, causing him grievous bodily harm over an allegation that the victim was owing N70,000, operatives attached to the Violent Crime Response Unit swung into action.”

The police identified those arrested as Desmond Linus, 20; Richman Serbokuro, 21; Plain Lion, 19; Richman Joel, 20; Solomon Damian, 23; Destiny Serbokuro, 24; Isaac Goodnews, 22; and Theresa Francis, 22.

Mohammed disclosed that six of the suspects are students of the Niger Delta University.

He further stated, “Upon a search, exhibits including a substance suspected to be Indian hemp, Swinol and charms were recovered from the suspects.”

The police said investigations are continuing and that the suspects will be arraigned after the inquiry is completed.

Reaffirming the command’s determination to curb cult-related violence across the state, Mohammed said, “The command reiterates its unwavering commitment to combating cultism and other violent crimes across the state. Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to the police to enhance public safety and security.”