Police arrest seven suspected cultists, recover stolen six-month-old baby in Edo

Edo State Police Command has arrested seven suspected cult members in Otuo, recovered a six-month-old baby allegedly stolen and taken to Imo State, and apprehended suspects linked to the alleged sexual abuse and online exposure of a young girl in Ekiadolor.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the operational achievements of the command on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Patrick Daaor.

Ikoedem said the arrests and recovery were recorded during sustained intelligence-led operations focused on tackling criminal activities and safeguarding lives and property across the state.

She also disclosed that the command had completed a one-week joint clearance operation in parts of Edo North, targeting criminal hideouts located within forest areas.

According to her, the operation produced positive results, with communities in the affected areas remaining relatively calm and peaceful throughout the period. She noted that no kidnapping incident was reported during the exercise.

The police spokesperson said operatives of the Gender and Family Unit also recovered a six-month-old baby who was allegedly stolen and taken to Imo State, leading to the arrest of suspects connected to the incident.

She added that the child had been reunited with the family.

Meanwhile, operatives of the Otuo Division arrested seven suspected notorious cult members during an intelligence-driven operation aimed at curbing cult-related activities in the area.

The command also apprehended suspects allegedly involved in stripping a young girl in the Ekiadolor axis and circulating the material on social media.

Ikoedem said the suspects remained in police custody as investigations continued, adding that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

On sexual violence, she disclosed that police had arrested a 37-year-old man over the alleged rape of a 70-year-old woman in Igueben.

According to her, the case was undergoing thorough investigation and the suspect would be prosecuted upon the completion of the process.

The Commissioner of Police urged residents to continue providing security agencies with credible and timely information to assist efforts to combat crime.

Daaor also advised parents and young people to stay away from cultism and other criminal associations, while warning members of the public against using social media to humiliate, threaten, expose or sexually violate others.

He stressed that sexual violence in any form remained a criminal offence.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations and taking decisive action against criminal activities across Edo State.