… As Police arraign 30 for alleged murder, cultism in Edo
BY IDAHOSA MUSA
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, has raised concerns over the increasingly dangerous tactics adopted by kidnappers, particularly their use of abducted victims as human shields during rescue operations.
Speaking during a press briefing in Benin City to mark his one month in office, Agbonika stated that while efforts to combat kidnapping remain robust, the safety of hostages often limits direct police engagement during encounters with kidnappers.
He stressed that the command is working on new operational approaches and technological tools to ensure more efficient and safer rescue missions.
Within the past month, the command successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims and arrested twelve suspects, many of whom have already confessed to their crimes.
The Commissioner also revealed that 95 suspected cultists had been apprehended and charged to court.
In terms of arms recovery, the police retrieved 25 firearms, including two AK-47 rifles, 130 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 135 live cartridges, a Lar Mark rifle, three English pistols, one Beretta pistol, and four single-barrel guns. Several stolen vehicles, cash, and an iPhone 16 Plus were also recovered.
Agbonika reaffirmed the police’s continued collaboration with communities through intelligence-led raids, bush combing, high-visibility patrols, and other proactive measures to prevent crime and maintain order. He reiterated the risks involved in confronting kidnappers who indiscriminately open fire while hiding behind victims, and outlined plans to deploy tracking technologies to target the criminals more precisely without endangering lives.
The Commissioner added that the command is also working with the Edo State Government to reform the local vigilante structure, ensuring that these groups operate strictly within their communities while taking greater responsibility for forest surveillance and protection.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has arraigned 30 individuals before the State High Court in Benin over allegations of murder and cult-related activities.
The accused are facing a seven-count charge, including conspiracy, murder, cultism, armed assault, and membership in an unlawful society.
According to newsmen, the suspects were arraigned in three groups, each facing the same set of charges.
Those arraigned in the first group include Paul Elekun (25), Muetinyan Osagbovo (25), Okpala Bernice (22), Nnajiofor Francis (23), Imuetinyan Osanogara (21), Christian Augustine (22), Aniyea Choice (33), and Saturday Umukoro (20).
The second batch comprises Gmogbo Ufoha (22), Emoh Emmanuel (29), Olavwola Gchinamen (32), Eriator Osaihon (44), Isaac Michael (32), Festus Arihian (37), Tedius Jude (25), Emmanuel Okhie (29), Daniel Oyakhilome (29), and John Umoren (28).
The third group includes Ogoigbe Richard (33), Omokwua Cliton (32), Solomo Peisi (age not provided), Ezebuke Bright (29), Okoli Chicks (45), Ajuja Frank (25), Onemu Oghenekome Michael (19), Jerry Lazarus (27), Patrick Arneka Joshua (22), Daniel James (28), Moses Peter (37), and Ewalefoh Prosper Osamudiamen (20).
Prosecutor Polycarp Odion informed the Court that the suspects and others still at large allegedly conspired to commit a felony.
He further alleged that the accused carried out an armed attack on residents within the Benin metropolis without lawful authority and also conspired to commit murder.
Odion stated that the offences were committed on various dates and involved unlawful society membership, in violation of Sections 412 (2), 64, and 247 of the Edo State Criminal Code Law, 2022.
He urged the Court to remand the accused at the Correctional Centre for 14 days pending advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Defence lawyers, however, appealed to the Court to grant bail, arguing that the suspects were arrested from various parts of the city, including Ugbowo, Sapele Road, and Garrick Memorial College areas in circumstances such as commuting, eating, or driving.
They stressed that the accused remain innocent until proven guilty and assured the Court that each defendant could provide a credible surety and would appear for trial.
Speaking for the defence were several lawyers, including retired Chief Magistrate Peter Asemota, former NBA Benin Chairman, Ede Asenoguan, Paul Badaki, J.E. Igunma, A.D. Ajeka, O.J. Odi, and E.B. Kika.
Presiding Judge, Justice Williams Azeigbemhin, granted each defendant bail in the sum of N1 million, with one surety in like sum.
The judge directed that both the defendants and sureties present their National Identification Number (NIN), valid ID cards, and three passport photographs.
The sureties must be senior staff of recognised establishments and reside within the Court’s jurisdiction. All details are to be verified by the Court Registrar.
The case was adjourned to 19 May 2025 for further hearing.
