Edo anti-cult crackdown intensifies as government demolishes Benin building linked to suspected cultists and seeks Interpol help

The Edo State Government on Thursday demolished a building in Amagba, Benin City, linked to two suspected members of the Aye confraternity arrested over recent cult killings, as part of an intensified Edo anti-cult crackdown. Five other suspects reportedly escaped during the operation.

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The demolition was carried out by the Special Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers in Edo State, led by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele.

Speaking after the exercise, the squad’s spokesperson, Eribo Enwanta, said the state’s anti-cultism law would be enforced without exception.

“The governor has given us a mandate, and we will follow that mandate no matter who is involved.

No one is bigger than the law,” Enwanta said, adding that suspects who escaped, including individuals identified as Koko, Enas and Sparol, remain wanted.

Enwanta also addressed youth leaders, known as Okiagheles, who were summoned for questioning.

He confirmed that two had reported and were being profiled, while the Okiaghele of Obhagie, Ken Dada, had yet to honour the invitation. He warned that failure to comply within the stipulated seven days could result in further legal action.

In a related development, the squad sealed off a residence in the Upper Uwa area of Benin said to be the last known address of Etiosa Akhiombare Joshua, also known as Baba Josh, alleged to be a member of the Maphite Confraternity and suspected mastermind of last week’s killing at Wire Road.

Enwanta disclosed that intelligence reports indicated the suspect had relocated to Canada, prompting the state government to involve Interpol in tracking him down.

Properties linked to the suspect would remain sealed pending his return to face investigation, he said.

The operation underscores the enforcement of the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025, signed in January by Governor Okpebholo.

The law prescribes the death penalty for cult-related killings, 21 years’ imprisonment for sponsors and active members, and a 10-year jail term alongside property demolition for landlords or school owners who knowingly harbour cultists.

Also read: Edo Police arrest man over fake kidnapping, gambling loss

Officials said the Edo anti-cult crackdown would continue as authorities move to dismantle networks linked to violent confraternities and restore public safety in the state.