Police arrest seven suspected cultists, recover stolen six-month-old baby in Edo

The Edo State Police Command has apprehended seven suspected members of cult groups in Otuo, recovered a six-month-old baby allegedly abducted and transported to Imo State, and captured individuals linked to the sexual abuse and dissemination of a young girl's image on social media within Ekiadolor. ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Edo State Command, announced these developments during a press briefing for reporters, representing Commissioner of Police Patrick Daaor.

Ikoedem explained that the arrests and recovery of the baby were made as part of continuous intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating criminal activities and protecting lives and property throughout the state. She also highlighted that a one-week joint clearance operation was conducted in Edo North, focusing on clearing forest areas where criminal hideouts were located. The operation was successful, with communities experiencing relative peace and no kidnapping incidents reported during the clearance.

Additionally, the Gender and Family Unit recovered the six-month-old baby who had reportedly been stolen and taken to Imo State, leading to the arrest of suspects involved in the incident. The baby has since been reunited with its family. Meanwhile, Otuo Division officers arrested seven suspected notorious cult members during an intelligence-led operation targeting cult-related activities in the region.

These suspects are currently in police custody as investigations proceed, with any convictions to follow legal procedures.

In response to another incident, the command reported the arrest of a 37-year-old man accused of raping a 70-year-old woman in Igueben. The case is undergoing thorough investigation, and the suspect will be prosecuted upon completion of the legal process. Commissioner of Police Daaor encouraged residents to provide the security agencies with accurate and timely information to aid ongoing efforts to combat crime.

He also cautioned parents and young individuals against engaging in cultism and other criminal activities, warning about the consequences of using social media to humiliate, threaten, expose, or sexually violate others. Daaor emphasized that sexual violence is a criminal offense, and the command remains committed to continuing intelligence-led operations and taking decisive action against criminal activities in Edo State.