Police apprehend five suspected cultists with firearms in Edo

In Edo State, police have apprehended five suspected cult members with firearms, according to Commissioner of Police Patrick Daaor. The arrests occurred during separate operations conducted by the Edo State Police Command's Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Cultism Units.

Andrew Friday, aged 27, was apprehended on August 7, 2026, in Akpakpava after a distress report was received regarding an abandoned sack at Flight Transport Services in Benin City. The bag was found to contain unripe plantains concealing three locally made Beretta pistols. Friday confessed to sending the sack and admitted to being a member of the Aiye Secret Cult Confraternity.

He stated that the firearms were provided by an individual named Bance, from the Iyanomo Community, for repairs in Benue State and potential use in ongoing cult rivalry.

In another operation, four suspects, including Nuka Joseph, Osatohamwen Ogor, John Osewengie, and Osezee Osayi, were arrested in Egbaen Community, off Ekenhuan Road, Benin City. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives from the Anti-Cultism and Anti-Kidnapping Unit recovered four locally fabricated pistols, one locally made Beretta pistol, and one cut-to-size double-barrel gun.

All four suspects allegedly confessed to their membership in the Aiye Confraternity Cult. The police are continuing efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate. Daaor urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to local authorities.