No fewer than 11 suspected leaders of cult groups, among whom are four Government functionaries have been apprehended by the Special Squad sent to Edo State by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, to tackle the activities of cultism, kidnapping, robbery and other related crimes in the State.
The team which was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Federal Special Anti-robbery Squad, FEDSARS, Chris Ezike, invaded the hoodlum’s hideout shortly after arriving Benin City, the Edo State capital and in the process rounded up leaders of some cult groups, who have been responsible for the killing in the State over the past one month.
The suspected cult leaders were apprehended over the alleged murder of a 55-year-old Ojo Ayeadu, at old Benin-Auchi Road and nine other persons at different locations across the state capital.
Reacting to the situation, a Government official, who pleaded anonymous, affirmed: “Those arrested, from what we gathered, are junior workers of the War against Indiscipline. The state governor does not condone cultism, which explains why when one of his bodyguards was accused of being involved in cultism; he ordered his arrest, which was done immediately.”
The Force Public Relations Officer, CP Emmanuel Ojukwu, while confirming the development said, the police has arrested some persons irrespective of their status, adding that ”the figures are still coming in. The thrust of the IG is yielding positive results.”
According to a police source, the arrested suspects include Engr. David Olukoga, 46, who is the Chairman, Edo State Committee on War Against Indiscipline and Senior Special Assistant on Youth Enhancement to the Governor of the State, Osunde Aigbedo, 48; Executive Director, Special Duties, Government House, Edo State, Dr. Salako Adebowale, 43, of UBTH, Benin-City; Ernest Amadasun, 49, the Managing Director, Pohien Investments and National Coordinator, Human Assistant Initiative and Adebo Ejuaoje, 46, of the Ministry of Education, Science and Tech Vocational, Iyaro, Benin City.
Other suspects, include Isabor Larry, 34, staff of Edo State House of Assembly; Totti Omonuwa, 42, of No. 97, Igun Street, Benin-City, Ahunwan-ID Orlando, 39, of No. 2, Ighodalo Street, Benin-City; Josuah Ehiabhi, 36, of No. 11, Upper Mission Road, off Ewa Raod, Benin-City; Felix Evbodi, 46, of No. 12, Aibelegbe Street, Benin-City and Uche Chukwuka, 36, the Private Secretary to the Chairman, Committee on Environment, Ministry of Environment, Edo State.
The arrested suspects were alleged to be members of the following cult groups: Eiye, Black Axe, Buccaneers, and Jurist confraternities.
It was gathered that the Inspector-General of Police, following the arrest made, directed a coordinated anti-robbery patrol at certain locations like, Isua – Ibillo Road, Ibillo –Lakpese – Okene road.
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