There was jubilation at the Federal Correctional Centre, Oko, in Benin City, Edo State capital, on Wednesday as 47 youths who had been detained for six days by security operatives for suspected cultism activities were discharged and acquitted.
The young men were released after series of investigations carried out by the police and other security officials proved them innocent of the cultism charges levelled against them.
A large number of the young men aged 18-38 years were arrested last week Thursday during a raid in the Benin metropolis by a joint security task force ordered by the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Mohammed Dankwara. The joint task force, comprising the Edo State Security Network (vigilante), police, army, and State CID, immediately conveyed the youths to the State CID and, later, remanded them at the Oko Correctional Centre to await trial.
On Wednesday, the suspects were charged to court where the judge, after carefully reviewing the case, found them innocent of the cultism charges and as such granted them bail.
The youths, after following the due procedure necessary to facilitate their bail release, were eventually handed over to their guardians amidst jubilation and tears, having been locked away for six days. They were further advised to abstain from any criminal activities, avoid hideouts, and also report any suspicious activities to the police as they were reminded of the saying that “police is your friend”.
An security operative at the Oko Correctional Centre who did not disclose his identity said it was necessary to carry out thorough investigations so as to ensure that the innocent do not suffer for crimes they know nothing about and also ensure that the real cultists sabotaging the peace and economy of Benin City and those responsible for the several killings in the metropolis are brought to book and made to face the wrath of the law.
He further applauded the commitment of the various security outfits to zero tolerance to cultism and crime, pointing out that the city is once again beginning to experience calmness and serenity due to the clampdown.
“No city can enjoy economic growth when crime becomes the order of the day,” he said.
Recounting his experience, one of the discharged and acquitted youths, Mr Michael Umonsiole, said, “I was just at the junction of my house at Okohro, Medical Store Way, off Ugbowo, Uselu Road, when I was stopped by vigilante operatives and asked series of questions to which I provided answers. It happened that they were not satisfied with the answers I gave. They asked me to follow them into the vehicle. I tried to resist as I began asking them what my offence was, but I was apprehended by the police and the State CID with hardened slaps visiting my back and neck. It was a full joint raid by all the security outfits in the city.”
Umonsiole said his being locked up has taught him a lot, but his greatest happiness was that he has been cleared.
“But I have also resolved to continue to refrain from any criminal misconduct or line of work including cultism,” he said.
It was also gathered that some of the youths with certain trending hairstyles, like dreadlocks and weaving, had their hairs cut low.
Residents of Benin City had earlier appealed to the Edo State Police Command to be firm and resolute in its investigations and offer unconditional bail to those youths confirmed innocent.
