Twelve accused cultists were detained at Amazing Grace Estate, Elele Community, Uzairue, Auchi in Edo North by the Edo State Police Command and the Edo State Security Corps.
In a statement released on Monday, Eno Ikoedem, the spokesperson for the state command, stated that the arrest was made on May 7 as a result of operatives’ prompt reaction to reliable information.
According to her, 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 apprehended on May 7, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m.
Seven of the individuals admitted to being cultists during preliminary investigations, she said, with some of them being identified as members of the Aye and Vikings fraternities.
According to Ikoedem, the agents found a grey Mercedes-Benz Jeep with the license plate GWA 471 DS that was purportedly owned by a Balogun. Isreal, who is at large right now.
“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 statement said in part.
”On May 7, 2026, around 6:00 p.m., the suspects—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—were arrested.
According to preliminary investigations, seven of the accused admitted to being cultists; some of them were recognized as members of the Vikings and Aye fraternities.”
Monday Agbonika, the Commissioner of Police, emphasized that the Command will continue its campaign against violent crimes and cultism throughout the State while praising the promptness and professionalism of these officers.
He stated that all suspects have been moved to the Anti-Cultism unit and will face charges after the inquiry is over.
All criminal elements are cautioned by the Command to either turn from their crimes or leave Edo State, since the Command is still ready to take decisive action against anyone endangering the safety and tranquility of its citizens.
