The Edo State Government (EDSG) has given three community youth leaders popularly known as Okiagheles a seven day ultimatum to appear before the Special Security Squad code-named “Operation Flush Out Cultist and Kidnappers” over the recent resurgence of cultism in Benin City.
The Okiaghele of Obazagbon Community, Innocent Okunozee a member of Black Axe Confraternity is currently in custody while those expected to turn themselves in include the Okiaghele of Obagie, Ofumwengbe and Ara Communities respectively.
Following the recent killings in some parts of Benin, the Special Security Squad led by the Principal Security Officer (PSO) to Edo State Governor carried out a series of raids, leading to arrest of some suspected cultists at Amagba Community in Oredo and Obagie Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas of the State while other cult members have been declared wanted.
After a raid at Amagba Community two suspected Black Axe Confraternity members identified as Osazee Omoruyi and Osahon Anito were arrested, the Spokesperson of the Squad Eribo Enwanta explained that preliminary investigations linked the Okiagheles and five others who escaped from the raided compound to the recent cult killings.
Enwanta explained that the Okiaghele of Obazagbon Community suspected to be a Black Axe Confraternity member, Innocent Okunozee, was arrested after weapons and live ammunition were found in a highlander jeep driven by the community CSO, Mr. Godspower Obayuwana, who happened to be his cousin.
“Following the recent cult disturbance in the State, an intelligent report led to the raiding and arrest of two Aye Cult members at Yuwa Kokoma Street in Amagba GRA.
“The squad has made huge success with this arrest in pursuant of its responsibilities and duties in making the State crime free, free from killing and all other social vices.
“We are here in Amagba in the residence of a suspected cult member to carry out further search to see if more incriminating evidence can be found that will help security agencies in their investigation.
“EDSG is giving the following people seven days ultimatum to report themselves in Government House to clear themselves of wrong doing or connected to the recent cult killing in Edo State.
“Those expected to report themselves include the Okiaghele of Obagie, the Okiaghele of Ofumwengbe and the Okiaghele of Ara Communities. These people are to report themselves to the office of the Special Security Squad to clear themselves.
“While the following people have been declared wanted by the state government in connection with cult activities and cult related crime. Those in the list include Enas, Koko, Amani Amani, Sparol and Dada. These are their nicknames but these suspects who are on the run know themselves.”
Speaking further, Ewanta urged members of the community, citizens of Edo State who know these people and have vital information that will lead to their arrest to call the relevant security agencies and provide such information.
“I call on the fleeing suspects to willingly give themselves in for investigation as they will be arrested no matter where they run to, the arm of the law will find them out.”
Also Speaking, Secretary of the Special Security Squad, Mr John Eshekiagbe assured that with the coordination of the Principal Security Officer to the Governor, the mandate to ensure a cult free state will be achieved with more arrests and prosecution to be made as investigations continue.
Speaking on his level of involvement, Osaze Omoruyi popularly known as Desmond Tutu confessed that he is an internet fraudster and has been a member of Black Axe since 2012 but denied his involvement in the recent killing in the State.
He noted that one Doviani brought home on Sunday, 15th February 2026, a now recovered Lexus jeep suspected to be used in the killings, as well as a bag containing a pump action gun, a barreta, a pistol, live ammunition as well as different photographs, including one of a couple.
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