Four individuals suspected to be members of various cult groups have been arrested in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The arrests were made during a coordinated operation conducted by the Edo State Police Command.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, the operation was carried out on Saturday, June 22, 2025, by operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit in collaboration with personnel from the Jattu and Auchi Divisions.
Yamu disclosed that the suspects were apprehended during a series of targeted raids based on credible intelligence linking them to recent cult-related violence in the area.
“Acting on actionable intelligence, operatives of the command launched a house-to-house operation that led to the arrest of four suspects believed to be behind cult clashes in Auchi and surrounding communities,” Yamu stated.
He identified the suspects as Musa Murphy, 25, of Ogeneni area in Jattu, said to be a member of the Arobaga Confraternity; Gabriel Moses, 25, of Ecocota Community, Auchi, reportedly affiliated with the Aye Confraternity; Michael Ayo, 23, of Emeke Uzuire, Auchi, allegedly linked to the Eiye Confraternity; and Philip Sunday, 24, of Ebira Camp, Auchi, believed to belong to the Vikings Confraternity.
“The suspects were arrested at different locations and have all confessed to being members of rival cult groups involved in violent activities,” Yamu added.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, assured the public of the command’s commitment to tackling cultism and ensuring peace and safety in Edo communities.
“Our resolve to rid Edo State of cultism and its violent consequences remains firm. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” CP Agbonika affirmed.
