A 24-year-old native doctor identified as Emmanuel Chinonso has been arrested by police operatives in Enugu State over alleged possession of firearms and his involvement in cult activities.
His arrest, made public on Sunday by the state police command, highlights the deepening concern around cult-related violence and the circulation of illegal weapons across Nigeria’s South-east region.
Superintendent of Police Daniel Ndukwe, the spokesperson for the Enugu State Police Command, disclosed in an official statement that Chinonso was apprehended on 15 May 2025 by the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad.
The arrest took place in Ezeagu Local Government Area, where the suspect is believed to operate a shrine in Ugwuochie-Iwollo.
“Following the suspect’s confessional statements, operatives raided his shrine and recovered one locally made pistol, one revolver pistol, one expended and one live .38 special calibre ammunition, and one live cartridge,” Mr Ndukwe stated.
The police further revealed that Chinonso admitted to being a member of the notorious Black Axe confraternity, one of the most prominent cult groups in Nigeria with a longstanding reputation for violent crimes, including murder, armed robbery, and election-related violence.
The suspect is currently in custody and will be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded.
See also: South Africa Deports Nigerian Televangelist Timothy Omotoso After Acquittal in Landmark Rape Trial
Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Bitrus Giwa, commended the tactical team for its vigilance and swift response.
“We are committed to ensuring that Enugu State remains uninhabitable for unrepentant criminals. The Command will continue to pursue justice and safeguard law-abiding citizens,” Mr Giwa said.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and to continue supporting the police through timely intelligence sharing.
Under Nigerian law, the possession of firearms without appropriate authorisation is a criminal offence. The Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act 2004 stipulates a penalty of up to ten years’ imprisonment for individuals convicted of unlawful possession of arms. Additionally, the Firearms Act of 1959 provides the regulatory framework for firearm licensing and defines prohibited weapons.
At the state level, Enugu has reinforced the national position through specific legislation. The Public Order (Prohibition of Secret Cults and their Activities) Law No. 17 of 2009 criminalises all forms of cultism in the state.
This is further supported by the Criminal Code, Cap. 30, Vol II of the Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004, which also outlaws secret societies and related violent activities. These laws provide the legal basis for prosecuting suspects involved in cultism and unauthorised possession of firearms, such as the recent case involving Emmanuel Chinonso.
Cultism, once largely confined to tertiary institutions, has evolved into a more widespread societal menace, now extending its reach to secondary schools, rural communities, and even religious centres. Security experts have repeatedly warned that the influence of these secret cults is fast growing beyond campuses, becoming a broader security challenge. States such as Lagos, Edo, Rivers, and Enugu have all witnessed increasing crackdowns on cultists in recent years as law enforcement agencies ramp up operations to dismantle these groups.
The arrest of Emmanuel Chinonso, a native doctor in Enugu, forms part of a wider campaign against the possession of illegal firearms and the activities of secret cults. The police allege that Chinonso is a member of the Black Axe confraternity and was found in possession of weapons following a raid on his shrine.
This incident is not isolated. In July 2021, a student of Kogi State Polytechnic, Shehu Tenimu Mohammed, was sentenced to eight years in prison for illegal possession of a locally fabricated revolver and five live rounds of ammunition. The arrest occurred at the main gate of the institution. The court found that he was also a member of a secret cult. His conviction was delivered by Magistrate Tenimu Mohammed after he pleaded guilty to both charges.
Likewise, in 2019, a High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, sentenced a man named Efe Efi, a student of Ekiti State University, to 10 years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of a locally made pistol. The presiding judge, Justice Abiodun Adesodun, delivered the ruling after finding him guilty, although he was acquitted of attempted murder and robbery due to lack of evidence.
These recurring arrests and prosecutions raise questions about the sources of illegal firearms in Nigeria and the resilience of cult groups, many of which have remained operational despite official bans and multiple security operations.
The arrest of a native doctor in connection with both arms possession and cultism adds a new layer of complexity to the challenge.
The Enugu State Police Command has reiterated its readiness to prosecute offenders and protect communities from criminal elements.
“We urge members of the public to support the police with timely and credible information to enhance public safety,” Mr Ndukwe said.
