crime

Edo Police Declare Eight Cultists Wanted After Killings

Published

2 months ago

February 17, 2026

Edo State declares eight suspects wanted over cult killings, urging youth leaders and members to surrender to the Special Security Squad

Edo State Government has declared eight individuals wanted for alleged involvement in recent cult-related killings across the state, including three community youth leaders known locally as “Okiagheles” and five suspected cult members.

Also read: Edo Court Grants ₦5m Bail to Osaze Adùn over Alleged Assault on Obaseki

Dr Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, confirmed the development in a statement released on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The government has given the three youth leaders seven days to report to the State Special Security Squad, code-named “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” to clear themselves of wrongdoing.

The five cult members on the run are identified by their nicknames: Enas, Koko, Amani Amani, Sparol, and Dada.

Those declared wanted include the Okiaghele of Obagie, Ofumwengbe, and Ara communities.

Eribo Enwanta, Spokesperson for the Special Security Squad, disclosed that Innocent Okunozee, the Okiaghele of Obazagbon community and a suspected Black Axe member, has been arrested.

Weapons and live ammunition were recovered from a highlander jeep driven by his cousin, the community Chief Security Officer, Godspower Obayuwana.

Enwanta explained that recent raids in Amagba and Obagie communities led to the arrest of other suspected cultists, including Osazee Omoruyi and Osahon Anito, while further operations are ongoing to recover additional evidence.

He urged members of the public with information on the whereabouts of the wanted individuals to contact relevant security agencies, stressing that fleeing suspects will be pursued relentlessly.

One arrested suspect, Osaze Omoruyi, also known as Demond Tutu, confessed to being a member of Black Axe since 2012 but denied involvement in the recent killings.

Omoruyi revealed that on February 15, 2026, one Doviani delivered a Lexus jeep suspected of being used in the killings, along with firearms, ammunition, and various photographs.