The Edo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected cultist believed to be involved in the killing of three vigilante members in Benin City, along with 15 other suspects linked to cult-related activities across the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Moses Yamu, said the arrests were made during a series of coordinated raids on criminal hideouts and through house-to-house searches.

Among those apprehended was Bello Salami, 33, a suspected member of the Maphite Confraternity, who was arrested on June 28, 2025, at the Benin Airport while allegedly attempting to flee the state. He is believed to be connected to the recent murder of three vigilante operatives along Wire Road in Benin City.

“The Edo State Police Command remains resolute in the fight against cultism and heinous crimes. These recent breakthroughs further reaffirm our dedication to restoring public confidence,” the statement read.

In a separate operation on June 26, officers from the Aduwawa Division arrested Abdulahi Eriamiator (18) and Moses Humphrey (25), both suspected members of the Vikings Confraternity. Later that day, operatives from South Ibie Division arrested Ahmed Hakeem (23), linked to the Aye Confraternity. Follow-up investigations led to the arrests of five more suspected Aye members: Williams Kayode, David Sylvester, Oshoke Itepu, Emmanuel Monday, and Daniel Ehichioya—all residents of South Ibie, Etsako West LGA.

Recovered items included a shotgun, four live cartridges, two axes, a cutlass, and a stash of the illicit drug known as “ice.” All suspects reportedly confessed their affiliations with the Aye cult group.

Similarly, officers from the Irrua Division, led by their DPO, arrested Ogbe Osaghele (29) in Idumebo-Irrua with a cut-to-size shotgun and two live cartridges. Police say they are pursuing three additional suspects, including Odion Osaghele, who remain at large.

On June 28, operatives from the Ekpoma Area Command arrested Itua Odion (22) at a hotel in Ekpoma. A search yielded a fabricated pistol and two live cartridges. The suspect allegedly confessed to being the Esan Zonal Leader of the Neo Black Movement (Black Axe Confraternity).

On June 29, at about 3:00 p.m., officers from the Jattu Division apprehended Hamza Umoru (27) in Ikabigbo Community, who confessed to being a member of the Vikings. Also, the Auchi Division arrested Emmanuel Udeh (27), Kalifa Kabir (24), and Ashiru Ahmed (22) in various locations. Disguised as scrap scavengers, the suspects were found with a Jojef Magnum pump-action shotgun.

In another raid on July 1, police stormed the residence of Jerry Orobor (50) in Amagba Community and recovered an automatic double-barrel shotgun, 10 live cartridges, and a fez cap bearing the Aye logo.

All suspects are in custody and will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.

The state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has reaffirmed the command’s dedication to eradicating cultism and violent crime. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.