The Edo State Police Command has arrested two individuals suspected to be cult members during an operation in Ohonre Community, located off Adolor College Road in Benin City.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, the arrest followed a swift response by operatives after a distress call reporting suspicious movements and a gathering of suspected cultists in the area.
The statement explained that officers from the Ugbowo Division, who were on routine surveillance patrol on May 21, 2026, around 7:00 p.m., moved into action after receiving the alert. On arrival, the suspects attempted to flee but were pursued and apprehended by the operatives.
The arrested suspects were identified as 21-year-old Victor Peter and 35-year-old Iyemoma Ogbewe, both males. A search conducted on them led to the recovery of a cut-to-size gun allegedly intended for unlawful use.
Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that the suspects admitted to being members of the Maphite cult group, while efforts are ongoing to track and arrest other fleeing members of the gang.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, praised the officers for their swift response and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to stamping out criminal activity across the state.
He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring that all reports would be acted upon promptly.