Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command on Sunday arrested 32 persons in the state.
Nigeriacrime.com gathered that the persons arrested are alleged members of an Atiku Support Group who were attending a meeting at a venue in the Government Reserved Area, GRA, in Port Harcourt.
It was gathered that some of the persons were arrested at the venue of the meeting, while others were picked on the street leading to the said venue.
It was gathered that four lawyers, who were among the persons picked in the random arrest were released when lawyers mobilised to stage a protest against the court and the police at the court premises, on Monday.
But the spokesperson of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said police raided black spots in the state and arrest 32 suspected cultists.
“The Rivers State Police Command on 5th February 2023 at about 1.30 pm arrested Thirty-two (32) persons from two hideouts in connection with suspected cult-related activities.
“The arrest is not related to any political meeting. Those arrested are presently being profiled and twelve (12) of them have already been released.
“Lately, because of the incidents of cult clashes, the Police Command has carried out targeted raids of criminal hideouts in Rivers State. All others found to be clean will be released soonest while those found guilty to be charged in court.”
However, yesterday, 21 out of the 32 arrested persons were brought to court for arraignment before a Magistrate Court sitting in Port Harcourt.
The suspects including those who claimed to be Atiku Support Group members were arraigned on counts of conspiracy, cultism, and unlawful gathering.
When the case was mentioned in court, yesterday, Chief Magistrate, Collins Ali, following the fact that the charges were moved as an exparty application, did not allow the charges to be read or plea taken.
Ali directed that the case file be transmitted to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP for legal advice and information.
The Chief Magistrate, who refused bail application by the defense counsels, directed that the suspects be remanded in Nigeria Correctional Centre and adjourned till 22nd of March, 2023 for bail consideration.