The Edo State Government (EDSG) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to three Community Youth Leaders, popularly known as Okiagheles, to appear before the Special Security Squad, code-named Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers, over the recent resurgence of cult-related violence in Benin City.
The Okiaghele of Obazagbon Community, Innocent Okunozee, who is alleged to be a member of the Black Axe Confraternity, is currently in custody. Those directed to turn themselves in include the Okiaghele of Obagie, Ofumwengbe and Ara Communities.
This development follows recent killings in parts of Benin City.
Acting on intelligence reports, the Special Security Squad, led by the Principal Security Officer (PSO) to the Governor, carried out coordinated raids that led to the arrest of suspected cultists in Amagba Community, Oredo Local Government Area, and Obagie Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area. Several other suspects have also been declared wanted.
During a raid in Amagba, two suspected members of the Black Axe Confraternity, identified as Osazee Omoruyi and Osahon Anito, were arrested. The Spokesperson of the Squad, Eribo Enwanta, said preliminary investigations linked the arrested suspects, the Okiagheles, and five other fleeing suspects to recent cult killings in the State.
Enwanta further disclosed that Innocent Okunozee was arrested after weapons and live ammunition were discovered in a Toyota Highlander Jeep driven by the Community Chief Security Officer (CSO), Mr. Godspower Obayuwana, who is said to be his cousin.
“Following the recent cult disturbances in the State, intelligence reports led to the arrest of two suspected cult members at Yuwa Kokoma Street in Amagba GRA.
The Squad has recorded significant success in the discharge of its mandate to make Edo State crime-free and rid it of killings and other social vices,” he said.
He added that the Squad had returned to the residence of one of the suspects for further searches to recover additional incriminating evidence that could aid ongoing investigations.
According to him, the State Government has directed the Okiagheles of Obagie, Ofumwengbe and Ara Communities to report to the Office of the Special Security Squad at Government House within seven days to clear themselves of any involvement in cult-related killings.
Enwanta also announced that five suspected cult members have been declared wanted in connection with cult-related crimes. He gave their nicknames as Enas, Koko, Amani Amani, Sparol and Dada.
He urged members of the public with useful information on the suspects’ whereabouts to contact security agencies, assuring that the suspects would be apprehended.
“We call on the fleeing suspects to voluntarily submit themselves for investigation, as they will be arrested wherever they hide. The law will eventually catch up with them,” he said.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Special Security Squad, Mr. John Eshekiagbe, assured that the Squad, under the coordination of the Principal Security Officer to the Governor, remains committed to restoring peace and achieving a cult-free Edo State through sustained operations, arrests and prosecution.
Meanwhile, one of the arrested suspects, Osazee Omoruyi, popularly known as “Demon Tutu”, reportedly confessed to being an internet fraudster and a member of the Black Axe Confraternity since 2012. However, he denied involvement in the recent killings.
He alleged that an individual identified as “Doviani” brought home, on Sunday, 15 February 2026, a Lexus Jeep suspected to have been used in the killings, along with a bag containing a pump-action gun, a Beretta pistol, another firearm, live ammunition and several photographs, including one of a couple.
The Edo State Government reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, warning that no individual or group would be allowed to threaten the peace and security of the State.