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Edo Police Nab Three Suspected Cultists, Recover Arms
It’s difficult to separate cultism and heinous crimes like killings without fear or remorse.
Benin, Edo State– The Edo State Police Command has paraded three suspected cultists in Benin City alleged to be members of the notorious Maphite confraternity.
It was gathered that the trio were reportedly apprehended at Ubiaza Community, Off Sapele Road in Benin City, where they were allegedly planning to avenge the killing of a fellow member, late Kokori ‘M’ who was allegedly killed by members of Aye confraternity, a rival cult group in June 2024.
The suspects are identified as, Eyefia Godbless ‘M’ 30 years, Imuetiyan Ewemade ‘M’ 30 years, and Emeka Okpaja ‘M’ 22 years.
The Edo State Police Commissioner, Funsho Adegboye, said police recovered several items from the suspects, including an automatic pump action gun, 11 live carriages, three green berets, and a Maphite constitution.
“This is an automatic pump action gun which is as deadly as AK 47 which has a bullet that can kill several people, unlike AK-47 which can kill just one person. According to the suspects, the gun was purchased for about N700,000.”
“We have the full backing of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun on the fight against cultism and we are not joking with it. We also have the backing of Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his executives who all believe that this war against cultism must be fought to a standstill until the State is void of cultism and criminality.
“It’s difficult to separate cultism and heinous crimes like killings without fear or remorse. Look at their beret and constitution, the book that governs their illicit activities, killing, and counter-killings,” he said.
The Commissioner appeal to the youth, urging them to gainfully engage themselves in profitable and positive activities adding that crime, cultism, and internet fraud do not pay.