The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested eight suspected cultists over the alleged assault of a 300-level student of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit following a distress call that a group of young men allegedly attacked a student , identified as Prince Hansen, at a hotel along Mike Okokpo Street in Yenagoa.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, confirmed their arrest in a statement issued on Saturday, July 18.
He said the incident occurred at about 10 p.m. on July 14, 2026.
Mohammed said, “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.”
He identified the suspects 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.
The police spokesman said six of the suspects are students of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma.
He added, “Upon a search, exhibits including a substance suspected to be Indian hemp, Swinol and charms were recovered from the suspects.”
Mohammed said investigations were ongoing and that the suspects would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of the investigation.
“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,” he said.