The police command in Edo says it arrested 23 suspects for alleged involvement in cult activities and kidnapping.
Police commissioner Umoru Ozigi announced this in Benin during a news conference on Friday.
According to Mr Ozigi, while 19 of these suspects were apprehended in different locations for cult-related crimes, four others were arrested for the alleged abduction and sale of a seven-month-old girl.
“Regarding the cult-related violence witnessed in the state recently, the command wishes to keep the press and the general public abreast of its activities aimed at taming these ugly incidences of cult-related killings and criminal activities in Edo state.
“On October 31, 2024, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of Raiders Squad stormed Iyekemuose Street, Benin-City and arrested one Osamudiamen James, 44 years old, with one pump action rifle and two live cartridges.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Supreme Eiye Confraternity and led operatives to their armoury where one Omokaro Joseph, also known as Joe Best, who is in charge of the armoury, escaped arrest,” the police chief stated.
He added, “One pump action, five live cartridges, 12 expended cartridges and a gun muffler were recovered. Omokaro Joseph, 44, was later trailed and arrested on November 3. He also confessed to being a member of the Eiye confraternity.
“He further confessed to having sold guns to several individuals within Benin and its environs. Five pump action guns, three single barrel guns and 18 cartridges were recovered through him.”
The commissioner said the investigation was ongoing, and the suspects would soon be prosecuted. He listed the total items recovered to include nine pump action guns, three single barrel guns, two fabricated beretta pistols, and three fabricated cut-to-size guns.
According to him, the others are 82 live cartridges, 14 expended cartridges, one battle axe, one gun muffler and one Lexus ES 330.
The police boss also announced the arrest in Owerri, Imo, of four suspects who allegedly conspired to abduct and sell a baby girl.