… Declared five cult members wanted
From our news desk, Benin
The Okaighele (Youths Head) of three various communities in Edo State have been given a seven days ultimatum to present themselves before the Special Security Squad Code-named; ‘Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers’ over recent resurgence of Cultism in Benin City.
The invitees include the Okiaghele of Obagie, Ofumwengbe and Ara Communities respectively.
As the Okaighele of Obazagbon Community, Innocent Okunozee who is said to be a member of the Black Axe Confraternity is currently in the custody of operatives.
Patrick Ebojele, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, made the disclosure in a press release circulated amongst journalists in Benin on Monday, 16 February, 2026.
According to him; recent killings in some parts of Benin prompted the Special Security Squad led by the Principal Security Officer (PSO) to Edo State Governor, to carry out a series of raids.
The raids he disclosed, led to the arrest of some suspected cultists at Amagba Community in Oredo and Obagie Community in Ikpoba-Okha local government areas of the State, while other cult members have been declared wanted.
At Amagba Community, two suspected Black Axe Confraternity members identified as Osazee Omoruyi and Osahon Anito were arrested.
(R), Eribo Enwanta fielding questions from newsmen
Eribo Enwanta, spokesperson of the operatives disclosed that preliminary investigations linked the Okiagheles and five others who escaped the raid, to the recent cult killings.
Enwanta was further quoted to have informed, that the Okaighele of Obazagbon Community, Innocent Okunozee suspected to be a Black Axe confraternity member, was arrested after weapons and live ammunition were found in a highlander jeep driven by the community CSO; Godspower Obayuwana, his cousin.
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“Following the recent cult disturbance in the State, an intelligent report led to the raiding and arrest of two Aye cult members at Yuwa Kokoma Street in Amagba GRA.
“The squad has made huge success with this arrest in pursuant of its responsibilities and duties in making the State crime free, free from killing and all other social vices.
“We are here in Amagba in the residence of a suspected cult member to carry out further search to see if more incriminating evidence can be found that will help security agencies in their investigation.
“Edo State Government is giving the following people seven days ultimatum to report themselves in Government House to clear themselves of wrong doing; or level of connection to the recent cult killing in Edo State.
“Those expected to report themselves include the Okaighele of Obagie, the Okaighele of Ofumwengbe and the Okaighele of Ara Communities.
“These people are to report themselves to the office of the Special Security Squad to clear themselves.
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“While the following people have been declared wanted by the State Government in connection with cult activities and cult related crime.
“Those in the list include Enas, Koko, Amani Amani, Sparol and Dada. These are their nicknames but these suspects who are on the run know themselves”.
Ewanta consequently urged members of the community, residents of Edo State who know these people and have vital information that could lead to their arrest to call the relevant security agencies, and should feel free to provide such information.
“I call on the fleeing suspects to willingly give themselves in for investigation, as they will be arrested no matter where they run to, the arm of the law will find them out”.
Also speaking, Secretary of the Special Security Squad, John Eshekiagbe assured that with the coordination of the Principal Security Officer to the Governor; the mandate to ensure a cult free State will be achieved with more arrests, and prosecution to be made as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, speaking on his level of involvement, Osaze Omoruyi popularly known as Desmond Tutu confessed that he is an internet fraudster and has been a member of the Black Axe since 2012 but denied his involvement in the recent killing in the State, Ebojele said.
Omoruyi was quoted to have further confessed; one Doviani brought home on Sunday, 15th February, 2026 a now recovered Lexus jeep suspected to have been used in the killings, as well as a bag containing a Pump action gun, a barreta, a pistol, live ammunition as well as different photographs, including one of a couple.
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