The Edo State Police Command has arrested nine suspects in connection with kidnapping, cult-related activities, armed robbery and other criminal offences across parts of Benin City.
The arrests followed a series of intelligence-led operations conducted within the past week, the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to her, the operations were carried out as part of sustained crime-fighting efforts under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.
“The Edo State Police Command recorded significant operational breakthroughs across the Benin City metropolis through intelligence-driven patrols, swift response to distress calls and proactive policing strategies,” Ikoedem said.
She explained that one of the arrests occurred in the early hours of Saturday, January 25, 2026, after police received reports of repeated gunshots from a residence along Erediuwawa Street, off Sapele Road.
“Operatives of the Eagle Crack Unit were immediately deployed to the scene. Following a hot chase, one Emmanuel Omorodion, aged 41, was arrested, while other suspects escaped,” she stated.
Police recovered a double-barrel gun and one live cartridge from the suspect, she added.
In a separate operation, Ikoedem said officers acting on credible intelligence stormed the Eyaen axis of Benin City to disrupt activities of a suspected cult group linked to kidnapping, extortion and violent crimes.
“Intelligence revealed that members of the group were holding a meeting at Ibojije Hotel, Eyaen. Operatives of the Intelligence Rapid Response Team raided the location and arrested the alleged kingpin, Usifo Omojale, along with five others,” she said.
The police spokesperson identified the suspects as Imafidon Jesurobo Frank (31), Godstime Iliyoma (23), Lukeman Itsagwode (38), Usifoh Omomgiade (31), and Ibhafidon Omonkhegbe (35).
“The suspects have confessed to being members of the Aye confraternity,” Ikoedem disclosed, adding that investigations were ongoing to dismantle the entire network.
She further revealed that another operation was carried out on Thursday, January 23, 2026, at about 2:40 a.m., following a distress call reporting an armed robbery incident at Uwadia Street, off Ogunmenyi Community.
“One suspect, Gondas Innocent, was arrested after sustaining pellet injuries during an exchange of gunfire. Items recovered from him include three machetes, a laptop, an Apple iPhone, a clipper and clothing materials,” she said.
According to her, a second suspect, identified as Tasman Nanman, was later arrested at an uncompleted building believed to be the gang’s hideout.
Ikoedem assured residents that all the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
“The command remains committed to sustained patrols, intelligence-led policing and collaboration with other security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property in Edo State,” she said.
She also urged members of the public to continue to support the police with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation is vital to effective policing
