Operatives of the Ugbowo Division of the Edo State Police Command have apprehended two suspected cultists allegedly gathering for unlawful activities in the state.

 

 

ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Public Relations Officer of the command, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Benin City.

 

Ikoedem alleged that the suspects, Victor Peter, 21, and Iyemoma Ogbewe, 35, were arrested in Ohonre Community, off Adolor College Road, Benin City, on May 21, 2026, at about 7 p.m.

 

 

She said that on the fateful day, operatives attached to the Ugbowo Division, who were on surveillance patrol, responded to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

 

She added that, acting promptly on the information, the police team mobilised to the location, and on sighting the operatives, the suspects fled in an attempt to evade arrest.

 

 

The command’s spokesperson explained that after a hot chase, the operatives arrested the two suspects, who later confessed to being members of the notorious Maphite cult group.

 

She also stated that during a search conducted on the suspects, one cut-to-size gun allegedly in their possession for unlawful purposes was recovered.

 

She added that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend other fleeing gang members.