### Edo Police Arrests and Parades Three Suspected Cultists, Recovers Ammunition
**CP Praises Obaseki’s Efforts to Eradicate Cultism and Criminal Gangs in Edo**
**Claims Anti-Cultism Efforts Are Showing Positive Results**
The Edo State Police Commissioner, Funsho Adegboye, has announced significant progress in the ongoing campaign against cultists and other criminal gangs in the state.
Speaking in Benin City, the Commissioner reported the arrest of three suspected members of the Maphite confraternity. The suspects, Eyefia Godbless (30), Imuetiyan Ewemade (30), and Emeka Okpaja (22), were apprehended in Ubiaza Community, Off Sapele Road, while allegedly plotting to avenge the death of a fellow member, Kokori, who was reportedly killed by the rival Aye confraternity in June 2024.
Among the items recovered from the suspects were an automatic pump-action gun, 11 live cartridges, three green berets, and the Maphite constitution. The suspects made confessional statements confirming their involvement with the cult group.
Commissioner Adegboye emphasized the robust support from Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, who are both committed to eradicating cultism and criminal activities in the state.
"We cannot separate cultism from heinous crimes like killings without fear or remorse. Their beret and constitution symbolize their illicit activities, including murder and revenge killings. Despite their claims of being a registered organization, their activities remain illegal in Edo State. We will not tolerate this. We have arrested these individuals and will continue to pursue others involved in such crimes," said Adegboye.
Highlighting the dangers posed by the recovered weapon, Adegboye added, "This automatic pump-action gun is as deadly as an AK-47, capable of causing mass casualties. The suspects admitted purchasing the gun for about N700,000. We urge our youth to engage in positive and profitable activities, as crime, cultism, and internet fraud do not pay. With the judiciary's collaboration, these individuals will be prosecuted and removed from society."
Adegboye further stated, "We are parading these suspects to send a clear message to other cult members and criminal groups that crime does not pay. The Edo State Government, police, and other security agencies, with the support of the media, will continue to educate the public about the dangers of such groups."
In additional operations, the police arrested five suspects at a cultist hideout along Siluko Road, recovering two pump-action guns, two locally made single-barrel guns, and 20 live cartridges. Another arrest involved Osayande Tony (48), who was intercepted with a pump-action gun and two cartridges while driving a Mercedes Benz C300 with registration number YAB 389 BG.
The Commissioner also mentioned the case of Apalobi Daniel from Powerline in Ugbiyokho, Benin City, who allegedly strangled his wife, Celine Profit, to death during an argument. Daniel is currently in custody and will be charged in court soon.
Edo State Police Commissioner, Funsho Adegboye (left), parading three suspected cultists in Benin City on Friday, July 12, 2024.
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Written: ( 05:40 am)
