The Enugu State Police Command has rescued and arrested a suspected cultist, Anyanwu Izuchukwu Gabriel, from a lynching attempt by an angry mob in Enugu.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on Monday night.

According to the command’s spokesperson, the police team was able to achieve the feat by acting on credible intelligence.

The statement read, “Acting on credible intelligence, a combined team of police operatives from the Independence Layout Division and Anti-Cultism Squad of the Enugu State Command, working in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch, on June 8, 2025, at about 8 p.m., rescued and arrested one Anyanwu Izuchukwu Gabriel (male), aged 26, from an irate mob.

“A locally fabricated Beretta pistol was recovered from him, while his cohorts reportedly fled the scene. The suspect, who sustained severe bodily injuries inflicted by the mob, is currently receiving medical treatment. He confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity, while discreet investigations are ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplices.

“The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, has commended the swift and collaborative efforts of the police operatives and community members that led to the arrest and recovery.

“He, however, strongly cautioned against mob actions and jungle justice, emphasising that such acts undermine proper investigation and the delivery of justice in criminal cases.”