Edo State Police Command has apprehended seven suspected cultists who were caught in the act of dehumanising a commercial motorcycle (Okada) rider at Peanut Junction along Benin-Sapele Road.
According to the Command's Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, the arrests were carried out by operatives from the Love World Division on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Suspects and Recovered Items
The suspects have been identified as Erick Charles, Gift Nerese, Odion Osaro, Festus Osaghai, Owas Ighodaro, Samuel Sabi, and Destiny Bernard. Two additional suspects reportedly escaped during the operation.
Yamu revealed that two of the arrested individuals have confessed to being members of the Maphite Confraternity. Items recovered during the operation include one pestle, one machete, one live cartridge, and a tricycle with registration number AUC 184 VH.
The police spokesperson confirmed that the suspects would be charged in court after the completion of investigations.
Ongoing Anti-Cultism Operations
Yamu further disclosed that the Command is currently conducting house-to-house arrests of identified cultists across the state. He assured the public that these operations would continue until cultism is reduced to the barest minimum in Edo State.
This arrest comes amid growing concerns about cult-related activities in various parts of the state, with authorities intensifying efforts to curb the menace.
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