SEVEN SUSPECTED CULTISTS NABBED IN BENIN AS EDO POLICE INTENSIFY CRACKDOWN ON CULTISM

In its unrelenting offensive against cultism and criminal vices, operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested seven suspected cultists in a swift operation along Sapele Road, Benin City.

According to a statement from the Command’s Public Relations Office, the arrests were made on June 8, 2025, following a distress call about some cultists allegedly assaulting an okada rider at Peanut Junction.

Responding officers from Love World Division moved in quickly and apprehended the suspects identified as:

1. Erick Charles (25yrs)

2. Gift Nerese (24yrs)

3. Odion Osaro (19yrs)

4. Festus Osaghai (26yrs)

5. Owas Ighodaro (19yrs)

6. Samuel Sabi (22yrs)

7. Destiny Bernard (20yrs)

Two others managed to escape and are currently being trailed.

During preliminary investigations, two of the suspects confessed to being members of the Maphite Confraternity.

Items recovered from them include:

One (1) pestle

One (1) machete

One (1) live cartridge

One (1) tricycle with reg number AUC 184 VH

Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, reiterated the Command’s determination to sustain house-to-house arrests and decisive actions against cultism until it’s reduced to the barest minimum.

He assured residents of Edo State of the Command’s resolve to deliver professional, prompt, and effective policing services.

Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will soon be charged to court.

The Command also urged the public to stay vigilant and continue to volunteer credible intelligence that would aid security operations.