The Edo State command of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, has arrested 12 suspected cultists at Amazing Grace Estate, Elele Community, Uzairue, Auchi, in Edo North.
The command said the suspects were arrested on May 7, 2026, following a swift response by operatives to credible intelligence.
Naija News reports that the state Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
According to her, the suspects allegedly mobilised from Okpella to launch attacks on perceived rivals before they were apprehended.
Ikoedem identified the suspects as Abiola Anabgaifo, 33; Idogo Joshua, 28; Oseni Sani, 22; Aminu Abubakar, 19; Iyamah Precious, 29; Usman Rapheal, 29; Ogene Jude, 31; Ibrahim Akeem, 27; Tunde Bright, 20; Jude Edeh, 21; Godwin Edeh, 19; and Aigbona Clifford, 20.
The statement read in part, “Operatives of the Edo State Police Command in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps 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, 33yrs; Idogo Joshua, 28yrs; Oseni Sani, 22yrs; Aminu Abubakar, 19yrs; Iyamah Precious, 29yrs; Usman Rapheal, 29yrs; Ogene Jude, 31yrs; Ibrahim Akeem, 27yrs; Tunde Bright, 20yrs; Jude Edeh, 21yrs; Godwin Edeh, 19yrs; and Aigbona Clifford, 20yrs, were arrested on 7th May, 2026 at about 6:00 pm after they allegedly mobilised from Okpella to launch attacks on perceived rivals.”
The command said preliminary investigation showed that seven of the suspects confessed to being members of cult groups.
Ikoedem said some of them were identified as members of the Aye and Vikings confraternities.
She added, “Preliminary investigations, seven of the suspects confessed to being cultists, with some identified as members of the Aye and Vikings confraternities.”
The police also recovered a grey Mercedes-Benz Jeep with registration number GWA 471 DS.
According to the command, the vehicle allegedly belongs to one Balogun Isreal, who is currently at large.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the officers involved in the operation for their swift response and professionalism.
He said the command would continue its clampdown on cultism and other violent crimes across the state. Agbonika noted that all the suspects had been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit for further investigation.
He added that they would be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The command warned criminal elements in the state to either repent or leave Edo State. It said it remained fully prepared to deal decisively with anyone threatening the peace and security of residents.
The police assured members of the public that the command, working with other security agencies, would continue to respond promptly to credible information and prevent criminal groups from disturbing public peace.
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