BREAKING: POLICE ARREST NINE SUSPECTS OVER KIDNAPPING, CULTISM, ROBBERY IN EDO

POLICE ARREST NINE SUSPECTS OVER KIDNAPPING, CULTISM, ROBBERY IN EDO


The Edo State Police Command has arrested nine suspects in connection with alleged cases of kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, and other related offences across parts of Benin City, the state capital.

The arrests were confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Mrs. Eno Ikoedem, who said the suspects were apprehended during intelligence-driven operations carried out within the past week.

According to Ikoedem, the successes were recorded through sustained patrols, rapid response to distress calls, and proactive crime-fighting strategies under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.

She disclosed that in the early hours of Saturday, January 25, 2026, police received credible intelligence about repeated gunshots from a residence along Erediuwawa Street, off Sapele Road, Benin City.

Operatives of the Eagle Crack Unit were immediately deployed to the scene, leading to the arrest of Emmanuel Omorodion, 41, after a hot pursuit, while other suspects reportedly fled.

During the operation, the police recovered one double-barrel gun and a live cartridge from the suspect.

In a separate operation, Ikoedem said actionable intelligence was received regarding cult-related criminal activities within the Eyaen axis of Benin City, allegedly involving kidnapping, extortion, and violent attacks on residents.

Based on the information, operatives of the Intelligence Rapid Response Team (IRT) raided Ibojije Hotel, Eyaen, where the suspected gang was said to be holding a meeting.

The raid resulted in the arrest of the alleged gang leader, Usifo Omojale, alongside five other suspects.

The suspects were identified as Imafidon Jesurobo Frank (31), Godstime Iliyoma (23), Lukeman Itsagwode (38), Usifoh Omomgiade (31), and Ibhafidon Omonkhegbe (35).

According to the police spokesperson, the suspects confessed to being members of the Aye confraternity cult, adding that investigations were ongoing to dismantle the entire network.

In another development, operatives of the Ugbor Division, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Network, responded to a distress call at about 2:40 a.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2026, following a reported armed robbery incident at Uwadia Street, off Ogunmenyi Community.

During the operation, one suspect, Gondas Innocent, was arrested after sustaining pellet injuries in an exchange of gunfire, while another suspect, Tasman Nanman, was apprehended at an uncompleted building identified as the gang’s hideout.

Items recovered from the suspects included three machetes, one laptop, one Apple iPhone, a clipper, and several clothing items.

Ikoedem assured that investigations into all the cases were ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

She reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, sustained patrols, and collaboration with other security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across Edo State.

The police spokesperson also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to effective crime prevention.

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