Edo Police Command has arrested 28 suspected cultists alleged to be behind the multiple cult-related killings witnessed in Benin City, recently.
Also apprehended are 53 persons said to have been involved in kidnapping, murder, defilement, armed-robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and rape.
Parading the suspects totaling 81 before newsmen at the Edo Police Command Headquarters, Benin, weekend, the state Commissioner of Police Mr. Foluso Adebanjo stated that the suspects were nabbed at different spots in the state following tip offs and covert investigations.Mr. Adebanjo revealed that among the murder suspects is one Innocent Omoregbe who allegedly killed one Jude at 2, Agbonlaho Street, Benin City on Sunday, December 20, 2014 in cult-related killings.
Similarly, one Festus Aimufua was paraded for allegedly killing his lover, Rose Aifuwa with his Honda Accord car marked UG 230 AA on Thursday, December 25, 2014 following a misunderstanding between them.
COMPOL Adebanjo further disclosed that one Ikponmwosa Ediagbonya had on Thursday, November 27, 2014 led his gang members to kidnap a pastor inside his church during morning devotion along with his Audi 80 car as efforts were being intensified to track down the fleeing members of the kidnap syndicate.
On rape and defilement, the police Chief stated that Ogbonaya Alopa,18, Ogbonaya Nwanje 22 and Ndubisi Okereke,20 ganged raped a 20-year-old girl around 2nd and 3rd East Circular Road in the State Capital on Monday, December 29, 2014.
The girl was said to be in her room expecting her boyfriend when the trio struck.
A 65 year-old Peter Eliaho was paraded for allegedly defiling a seven year-old girl in Uselu quarters, Benin City on Sunday, December 28, 2014.
Mr Adebanjo stated that on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 his men in Fugar town the administrative Headquarters of Etsako Central apprehended one Aghameta Ugheke with an AK 47 rifle, a pistol and seven live ammunition, just as Uwadiae Osayande alleged to have been in company of others now at large robbed and gang raped some villagers of Egbekaen village, off Sapele Road, Benin City.
Exhibits paraded along the suspects included arms, ammunition, wrist watches, wooden mask, gun jacket, logos said to belong to Vikings confraternity, berets, battle axe, five T-shirts, five caps and a rope said to belong to Eiye secret cult, cars and N43, 500.00 cash.
Though some of the suspects denied the allegations, the Commissioner said they would be charged to court as soon as possible.
