The Edo State Police Commissioner, Funsho Adegboye, declared significant progress in the fight against cultism and criminal gangs within the state.
Commissioner Adegboye made the statement during a parade of three suspected cultists in Benin City, Edo State. The suspects are believed to be members of the Maphite confraternity.
Identified as Eyefia Godbless (30), Imuetiyan Ewemade (30), and Emeka Okpaja (22), the men were apprehended in Ubiaza Community, off Sapele Road. They were allegedly plotting revenge for the killing of a fellow member, Kokori (deceased), by rivals from the Aye confraternity in June 2024.
Recovered from the suspects were an automatic pump-action shotgun, eleven live cartridges, three green berets, and a Maphite constitution. All three reportedly confessed to their membership in the cult.
"We have the full support of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun in tackling cultism, and we take this matter very seriously," Commissioner Adegboye emphasised. "Furthermore, Governor Godwin Obaseki and his cabinet stand behind us in this fight. We will not rest until Edo is free of cultism and criminality."
"The link between cultism and heinous crimes, such as senseless killings, is undeniable," he continued. "These berets and their constitution serve as a chilling testament to their illicit activities – a cycle of violence and retribution."