12 Suspected Cultists Arrested in Edo
Operatives of the Edo State Police Command, working with the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), have arrested twelve suspected cultists. The arrests occurred at Amazing Grace Estate, Elele Community, Uzairue, Auchi, in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
The Edo State Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. She explained that the arrests were made on May 7 following a swift response to credible intelligence. Preliminary investigations revealed that seven of the suspects admitted to being cultists, with some linked to the Aye and Vikings confraternities.
The operatives also recovered a gray Mercedes Benz Jeep with registration number GWA 471 DS, allegedly belonging to Balogun Isreal, who remains at large.
According to the statement, the suspects include: Abiola Anabgaifo, 33; Idogo Joshua, 28; Oseni Sani, 22; Aminu Abubakar, 19; Iyamah Precious, 29; Usman Rapheal, 29; Ogene Jude, 31; Ibrahim Akeem, 27; Tunde Bright, 20; Jude Edeh, 21; Godwin Edeh, 19; and Aigbona Clifford, 20. They were arrested on May 7, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m. after allegedly mobilizing from Okpella to attack perceived rivals.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the officers for their swift response and professionalism. He emphasized that the command will continue its crackdown on cultism and violent crimes across the state. All suspects have been transferred to the Anti-Cultism unit and will be prosecuted after the investigation concludes.
The command warned all criminal elements to either renounce their ways or leave Edo State, as the police are fully prepared to deal decisively with anyone threatening the peace and security of residents.
