Operatives of the Police Command in Edo have arrested 23 suspects for alleged involvement in cult activities and child abduction.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Umoru Ozigi announced this in Benin on Friday during a news conference.
According to Ozigi, while 19 of these suspects were apprehended in different locations for cult-related crimes, four others were arrested for the alleged abduction and sale of a seven month-old-girl.
“Regarding the cult related violence witnessed in the state recently, the command wishes to keep the press and the general public abreast of its activities aimed at taming these ugly incidences of cult related killings and criminal activities in Edo State.
“On Oct 31, 2024, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of Raiders Squad stormed Iyekemuose Street, Benin-City and arrested one Osamudiamen James, 44 years old, with one pump action rifle and two live cartridges.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to be a member of the Supreme Eiye Confraternity and led operatives to their armoury where one Omokaro Joseph, also known as Joe Best, who is in charge of the armoury, escaped arrest.
“One pump action, 5 live cartridges, 12 expended cartridges and a gun muffler were recovered.
“Omokaro Joseph, 44, was later trailed and arrested on Nov.3. He also confessed being a member of the Eiye confraternity.
“He further confessed to have sold guns to several individuals within Benin and environs.
“Five pump action guns, three single barrel guns and 18 cartridges were recovered through him,” he said.
The commissioner said investigation was ongoing and the suspects would be soon be charged to court.
He listed total items recovered to include nine pump action guns, three single barrel guns, two fabricated beretta pistols, and three fabricated cut to size guns.
According to him, others are 82 live cartridges, 14 expended cartridges, one battle axe, one gun muffler and one Lexus ES 330 Vehicle.
The police boss also announced the arrest in Owerri, Imo of four suspects, who allegedly conspired to abduct and sell a baby girl.
Ozigi, however, applauded the people and residents of the state for cooperating with the police for volunteering useful information that helped in the arrest of the suspects.
He assured that the command would continue to count on the people’s support and cooperation so as to achieve a peaceful state. (NAN)
