Edo State Police Command in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, ESSC, has arrested 12 suspected cultists at Amazing Grace Estate, Elele Community, Uzairue, Auchi in Edo North.
The state command spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, in a statement on Monday, said the arrest was carried out on Thursday following the swift response of operatives to credible intelligence.
She said the suspects, Abiola Anabgaifo, Idogo Joshua, Oseni Sani, Aminu Abubakar, Iyamah Precious, Usman Rapheal, Ogene Jude, Ibrahim Akeem, Tunde Bright, Jude Edeh, Godwin Edeh, and Aigbona Clifford, were arrested on Thursday at about 6:00 pm after they allegedly mobilized from Okpella to launch attacks on perceived rivals.
She stated that during preliminary investigations, seven of the suspects confessed to being cultists, with some identified as members of the Aye and Vikings confraternities.
Ikoedem said the operatives recovered a grey Mercedes-Benz Jeep with registration number GWA 471 DS allegedly belonging to one Balogun Isreal, who is currently at large.
The Statement read in part: “Operatives of the Edo State Police Command in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, ESSC, have arrested 12 suspected cultists at Amazing Grace Estate, Elele Community, Uzairue, Auchi in Edo North following operatives’ swift response to credible intelligence.
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“The suspects, Abiola Anabgaifo, 33yrs; Idogo Joshua, 28yrs; Oseni Sani, 22yrs; Aminu Abubakar, 19yrs; Iyamah Precious, 29yrs; Usman Rapheal, 29yrs; Ogene Jude, 31yrs; Ibrahim Akeem, 27yrs; Tunde Bright, 20yrs; Jude Edeh, 21yrs; Godwin Edeh, 19yrs; and Aigbona Clifford, 20yrs, were arrested on Thursday at about 6:00 pm after they allegedly mobilised from Okpella to launch attacks on perceived rivals.
“Preliminary investigations, seven of the suspects confessed to being cultists, with some identified as members of the Aye and Vikings confraternities.”
However, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the swift response and professionalism of these Officers, stressing that the Command will sustain its crackdown on cultism and violent crimes across the State.
He noted that all suspects have been transferred to the Anti-Cultism unit and will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The Command warns all criminal elements to either repent or leave Edo State, as the Command remains fully prepared to deal decisively with anyone threatening the peace and security of residents.
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