Enugu: Anti-Cult Operatives Accused of 4am Raid, Seizure of 20-Year-Old’s Property

Operatives of the Anti-Cult Unit of the Enugu State Police Command have been accused of raiding a family residence at about 4 am and allegedly seizing the personal belongings of a 20-year-old man after failing to find the person they were reportedly looking for. The incident allegedly occurred on September 10, 2026, at the residence of the Ifenze family in Amorji Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area. According to the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), the officers were searching for Chibueze Kingsley Ifenze, the brother of 20-year-old Izu Chukwu Ifenze Nelson. Nelson reportedly told RULAAC that the officers did not explain why they were searching for his brother or present a warrant before entering the residence. When Chibueze was reportedly not found at the house, the operatives allegedly searched Nelson’s room and took three mobile phones, a laptop, chargers, two power banks and other personal belongings. Nelson also alleged that members of his family were threatened during the operation, claiming that his mother was threatened with being shot after questioning the officers about the reason for the raid. The alleged seizure of the belongings has since formed part of a complaint submitted by RULAAC to the Enugu State Police Command. According to the organisation, Nelson’s uncle later visited the Anti-Cult Unit office in an attempt to recover the seized items. RULAAC said the family encountered an officer identified as “Chief Ugwu” and alleged that they were asked to pay ₦100,000 before the belongings could be released. Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of RULAAC, said the organisation was seeking clarification from the police before reaching any conclusions about the alleged monetary demand. In its complaint to the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, RULAAC requested clarification on several issues surrounding the incident. The organisation asked the police to confirm whether Anti-Cult Unit operatives conducted the September 10 operation, identify the officers involved and explain why Chibueze Kingsley Ifenze was being sought. RULAAC also asked whether Nelson’s belongings were seized during the operation and, if so, whether the items were formally documented as exhibits and the legal basis for their continued detention. The organisation further requested clarification regarding the identity and role of the officer identified as “Chief Ugwu” and called for an investigation into the reported ₦100,000 demand. “RULAAC is reaching out in the spirit of verification, accountability and prompt resolution,” the organisation stated in its complaint. It also requested police intervention if Nelson’s property was being held without a lawful evidential basis and said the reported monetary demand should be investigated. RULAAC said a response from the police would enable it to properly advise Nelson and accurately document the Command’s position on the matter. The organisation added that SP Ndukwe was aware of the complaint and had indicated that he would follow up on the matter. Meanwhile, the officer identified by the family as “Chief Ugwu” has denied involvement in the operation. RULAAC said the officer contacted the organisation and stated that although he lives in the area, he had no connection with the raid. The family, however, disputed the claim, maintaining that they saw the officer among the operatives who allegedly entered their residence. Attempts to obtain further comments from the Enugu State Police Command regarding the alleged raid, seizure of property and reported ₦100,000 demand were unsuccessful. SP Ndukwe reportedly did not answer telephone calls as of the time of reporting. Factful24 will update this report if the Enugu State Police Command provides an official response. Source: SaharaReporters, citing RULAAC and accounts from the affected family. https://saharareporters.com/2026/09/17/enugu-police-accused-raiding-family-home-seizing-20-year-olds-phones-laptop-while