The Edo State Police Command, in partnership with the Edo State Security Corps, apprehended 12 accused cultists at Amazing Grace Estate, Elele Community, Uzairue, Auchi, Edo North.
The state command spokeswoman, Eno Ikoedem, in a statement on Monday, said the arrest was taken out on May 7 following the fast response of operatives to credible intelligence.
She said the suspects, Abiola Anabgaifo, Idogo Joshua, Oseni Sani, Aminu Abubakar, Iyamah Precious, Usman Rapheal, Ogene Jude, Ibrahim Akeem, Tunde Bright, Jude Edeh, Godwin Edeh, and Aigbona Clifford, were arrested on 7th May, 2026, at about 6:00 pm after they allegedly mobilized from Okpella to launch attacks on perceived rivals.
She added that following preliminary investigations, seven of the suspects admitted to being cultists, with several identifying as members of the Aye and Vikings confraternities.
According to Ikoedem, the operatives discovered a grey Mercedes-Benz Jeep with the registration number GWA 471 DS that allegedly belonged to one Balogun Isreal, who is still at large.
The statement read in part, “Operatives of the Edo State Police Command in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) have arrested 12 suspected cultists at Amazing Grace Estate, Elele Community, Uzairue, Auchi in Edo North following operatives’ swift response to credible intelligence.
“The suspects, Abiola Anabgaifo, 33 yrs; Idogo Joshua, 28 yrs; Oseni Sani, 22 yrs; Aminu Abubakar, 19 yrs; Iyamah Precious, 29 yrs; Usman Rapheal, 29 yrs; Ogene Jude, 31 yrs; Ibrahim Akeem, 27 yrs; Tunde Bright, 20 yrs; Jude Edeh, 21 yrs; Godwin Edeh, 19 yrs; and Aigbona Clifford, 20 yrs, were arrested on 7th May, 2026, at about 6:00 pm after they allegedly mobilized from Okpella to launch attacks on perceived rivals.
“Preliminary investigations: seven of the suspects confessed to being cultists, with some identified as members of the Aye and Vikings confraternities.”
However, Monday Agbonika, the commissioner of police, praised the officers’ prompt response and professionalism, emphasizing that the command will continue to crack down on cultism and violent crimes throughout the state.
He stated that all suspects had been sent to the Anti-Cultism Unit and would be prosecuted once the inquiry was completed.
The Command advises all criminal elements to either repent or leave Edo State, as it is fully prepared to deal severely with anyone compromising citizens’ peace and security.
