15th November, 2024
By Usman Aliyu
The Edo State Police Command has detained 23 individuals for alleged involvement in cult activities and child abduction.
Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, disclosed this during a press briefing in Benin on Friday.
He revealed that 19 suspects were arrested for cult-related crimes, while four others were implicated in the abduction and sale of a seven-month-old girl.
“Regarding the recent cult-related violence in the state, the command wishes to update the press and the public on its efforts to curb these heinous incidents,” Ozigi said.
The Commissioner detailed the arrest of one Osamudiamen James, 44, on Oct. 31, 2024, at Iyekemuose Street, Benin City.
He said police operatives recovered a pump-action rifle and two live cartridges from the suspect, who confessed to being a member of the Supreme Eiye Confraternity.
James led the police to their armoury, where another suspect, Omokaro Joseph, alias Joe Best, escaped initially.
However, Joseph, also 44, was apprehended on Nov. 3. He admitted membership in the same cult and confessed to selling firearms in Benin and its environs.
Through his confession, police recovered five pump-action guns, three single-barrel guns, and 18 cartridges.
Ozigi listed the total recovered items as: Nine pump-action guns, three single-barrel guns, two fabricated Beretta pistols, three fabricated cut-to-size guns, 82 live cartridges, 14 expended cartridges, one battle axe, one gun muffler, one Lexus ES 330 vehicle and child abduction case.
In a separate operation, police arrested four suspects in Owerri, Imo State, for allegedly conspiring to abduct and sell a baby girl.
The Police Commissioner commended the public for providing vital information leading to the arrests and called for continued cooperation to maintain peace in the state.
“The command will continue to count on the support and collaboration of residents to ensure a safer Edo State,” he assured.
The suspects are undergoing investigation and will be charged to court upon its conclusion. (NAN)
