Police apprehend  five suspected cultists with firearms in Edo

Five suspected cultists have been arrested by operatives of the Edo State Police Command.

Commissioner of Police in charge of the command, Patrick Daaor, disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday in Benin City.

Daaor said the suspects were arrested in separate operations.

He said one of the suspects, identified as Andrew Friday, 27, was arrested on August 7, 2026, at Akpakpava by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

He added that on August 5, 2026, a distress report was received from Flight Transport Services, Akpakpava, Benin City, after an unknown man abandoned a sack he had presented for waybill to Benue State.

“Upon searching the abandoned sack, officers discovered unripe plantains concealing three locally made Beretta pistols.

“Through technical intelligence and sustained investigation, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested Andrew Friday, aged 27, on August 7, 2026, at Akpakpava.

“The suspect confessed to sending the sack and admitted membership of the Aiye Secret Cult Confraternity.

“He further stated that the firearms were given to him by one Bance, surname unknown, from Iyanomo Community, allegedly for repairs in Benue State and subsequent use in an ongoing cult rivalry,” he disclosed.

He said the investigation was ongoing to apprehend other suspects connected with the matter.

In another operation, the Commissioner said four suspected cult members were arrested and firearms recovered from them.

He added that the suspects were arrested by operatives of the Anti-Cultism and Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

He said the operatives, acting on credible intelligence in collaboration with personnel attached to the Government House Task Force, conducted an operation at Egbaen Community, off Ekenhuan Road, Benin City.

He said four suspects, including Nuka Joseph, 27; Osatohamwen Ogor, 30; John Osewengie, 30; and Osezee Osayi, 29, were arrested.

The Commissioner stated that the operation led to the recovery of four locally fabricated pistols, one locally made Beretta pistol and one cut-to-size double-barrel gun.

He also added that the suspects allegedly confessed to membership of the Aiye Confraternity Cult.

He said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.

The Commissioner of Police, however, encouraged residents to look out for one another and pay attention to their neighbours, friends, colleagues and loved ones.