The Edo State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists during a meeting at a hotel in the Eyaen community of Benin City.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the command’s Intelligence Rapid Response Team following credible intelligence on their activities.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the suspects were identified as Usifo Omojale, Imafidon Jesurobo Frank, Godstime Iliyoma, Lukeman Itsagwode, Usifoh Omomgiade and Ibhafidon Omonkhegbe.
According to her, the arrest of Usifo Omojale, who is believed to be the ringleader of the group, led to the subsequent apprehension of the other members.
Ikoedem explained that the Intelligence Rapid Response Team is tasked with tracking and neutralising criminal gangs involved in offences such as kidnapping, extortion, cult-related violence and other crimes threatening public safety in the state.
She disclosed that intelligence reports indicated the suspects were holding a meeting at the hotel when operatives, led by CSP Idaba Peter, stormed the premises and arrested them without resistance.
The police spokesperson added that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had confessed to being members of the Aye confraternity.
She noted that investigations were ongoing to dismantle the group’s wider network, adding that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
