crime

Edo Police Declare Eight Cultists Wanted After Killings

Published

8 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.

Also read: Gunmen Kidnap Police Inspector, Four Others in Edo ,Demand ₦100m Ransom

Governor Okpebholo’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to making Edo State free from cult-related violence, killings, and other social vices.

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crime

Police Arrest Convicted Drug Dealer, Rescue 14-Year-Old Boy in Bauchi

Published

7 hours ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Bauchi drug dealer arrest leads to the rescue of a 14-year-old boy allegedly used as a drug courier and the recovery of suspected illicit substances

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old convicted drug dealer and rescued a 14-year-old boy who was allegedly being used to deliver illicit drugs in the state.

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The command said operatives of its Violent Crimes Response Unit intercepted the teenager during a routine patrol and recovered a granular whitish substance suspected to be methamphetamine.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

According to Habib, the operatives, led by the unit’s officer-in-charge, intercepted the minor, identified as Samuel Nkemakolan Kosi, at about 11 am on October 26, 2026, while he was allegedly on his way to deliver the suspected drug, also known as Ice, to a customer.

The statement said the teenager told investigators that he had been sent by Samuel Ogochukwu, a 22-year-old convicted drug dealer, to make the delivery.

“Upon interrogation, the minor confessed that he was sent by one Samuel Ogochukwu, 22 years old, a convicted drug dealer, to make the delivery,” Habib said.

Following the information, detectives traced Ogochukwu to his location and arrested him.

A search of the suspect’s shop and residence reportedly led to the recovery of 3.5 grammes of a substance suspected to be methamphetamine, 17 sachets of 100mg tramadol capsules, five sachets of 300mg pregabalin capsules and seven sachets of diazepam.

The police also recovered 12 Exol tablets, two wraps of a substance known as Yellow Boys and one sachet of Shine Shine Leather.

Habib said the principal suspect told investigators that he received supplies of illicit drugs through waybills from Onitsha, Anambra State.

The police spokesman added that the 14-year-old had been handled in accordance with juvenile best practices and would be reunited with his family after counselling.

“The 14-year-old minor has been handled in line with juvenile best practices and will be reunited with his family after counselling, while the principal suspect will be charged to court upon completion of investigation,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the operatives for their work and urged the public to remain alert to criminal activity.

According to Habib, the commissioner said four major drug busts and subsequent convictions recorded within 10 days demonstrated the command’s continued efforts to combat drug trafficking.