Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested four suspects, including a native doctor, in connection with the ritual killing of two seven-year-old siblings, Chizaram Onuche and Chidinma Onuche.
The arrest followed a report transferred from the Special Area Division, prompting operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to take swift action.
The suspects were arrested on March 23, 2025, at approximately 9 am.
According to the police spokesperson in Rivers State, SP GraceIringe-Koko, the suspects include Aniekan Sunday Uko, 27, a native of Akwa Ibom; Luis John Uwelemele, 19, a native of Cross River State; Kingsley Opurum, 43, a native of Etche, Rivers State; and Friday Silas, 47, a native of Plateau State.
The police alleged that Aniekan Uko lured the victims to his location, drugged them using a drink known as Black Bullet, and subsequently slaughtered them, collecting their blood in a bottle.
Kingsley Opurum, the native doctor, was implicated as being complicit in the murder.
Iringe-Koko noted that operatives recovered key evidence, including a kitchen knife identified as the murder weapon, a bottle filled with the victims’ blood, an empty can of Black Bullet, and a spoon used to collect the victims’ blood.
She said: “Aniekan confessed that he became involved in the ritual killing after visiting the native doctor and witnessing him perform similar rituals for others in exchange for wealth. The native doctor instructed him to provide fresh human remains and blood for ritualistic purposes.
“Law enforcement officials visited the scene of the crime, documented evidence with photographs, and recovered additional exhibits.
“On 23rd March 2025, at approximately 9 am, operatives arrested the native doctor and other individuals involved in the heinous crime.
“During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered key evidence, including a bottle containing the drained blood of the victims.”
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, assured the public that justice would be served, and all perpetrators of the heinous crime would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
He added that Investigations are ongoing to uncover further details and possible accomplices.
However, the police urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station, emphasizing that the safety and security of all citizens remain their top priority.