A major twist has emerged in the killing of Olotu Omubo, the leader of the Bobos cult group in Bayelsa State, as the police revealed that he was murdered by his own gang members in a fight for leadership.
This was disclosed by the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu, during a press briefing in Yenagoa on Monday. Omubo, who was also a beneficiary of the Federal Government’s Presidential Amnesty Programme, had previously been a known figure in cult-related activities and led the Phase 2 Amnesty beneficiaries in the state.
The cult leader was shot dead on Thursday, April 24, along Goodnews Street in the Azikoro area of Yenagoa. Initially, it was believed that the attack was carried out by a rival cult group or by hired assassins seeking revenge for past killings allegedly linked to him. However, fresh investigations have now revealed a different story.
According to CP Idu, the killing was an internal plot by members of Omubo’s own cult group, Bobos, who wanted to replace him and benefit from the leadership change. “Ninety-five per cent of the intelligence we gathered confirms that he was killed over a leadership tussle within the group. It was staged to appear as an attack by a rival gang,” Idu said.
He also revealed that Omubo had been arrested in the past for illegal possession of firearms but was controversially released. “When you influence the release of a known criminal, you are only planting the seed for a bigger disaster,” he warned.
Despite Omubo’s criminal background, CP Idu assured residents that the police are committed to ending cult-related violence and bringing all offenders to justice. “He had a record of crimes, but he died at the hands of his own gang. That shows how deep the crisis has become within these cult groups,” Idu stated.
In a broader crackdown on crime, the police also announced the arrest of nine suspects for their involvement in cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, and murder.
Among the suspects is 50-year-old Mohammed Adamu from Gombe State and 37-year-old Adiamakubo Orubo. Both were arrested in connection with the disappearance of Ashiru Ishiaku, a 26-year-old tricycle operator from Kano, who went missing on April 29 along with his tricycle.
Also in custody is David Ngo, 36, a member of the deadly Islanders cult group from Brass Local Government Area. He allegedly stabbed a man, Goodwill Ovuru, to death during a confrontation on April 16 in Agudama-Ekpetiama community, Yenagoa.
In another case, Monday Daniel, 28, was arrested for robbing one Amarachi Emeachi at her residence near Revenue House, Onopa. He was part of a four-man armed robbery gang that stole her Redmi phone, valued at N180,000.
On May 4, police also arrested Endurance Odambe Chinedu, 24, from Ndokwa-East in Delta State, at Agbia community. He was caught with 10 live cartridges. During interrogation, Chinedu confessed to being a member of the Black Axe confraternity, also known as Aye.
Police found more incriminating evidence during a search of his home, including a battle axe, a black beret with cult insignia, and a crusher used for grinding illicit drugs.
Commissioner Idu assured the public that the police are intensifying their efforts to crack down on cultism and restore security across Bayelsa State. “We will continue to go after anyone involved in criminal activity, no matter their status or past affiliations,” he said.
Bayelsa State, like many parts of Nigeria, has seen a rise in cult-related violence in recent years. Security agencies continue to battle the growing influence of cult groups, many of which are involved in armed robbery, drug trafficking, and political violence.
The killing of Omubo, a former militant turned amnesty beneficiary, highlights the deep-rooted problem of cultism and the challenges facing reintegration efforts. Police say they are following leads and will bring all those responsible to justice.
