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The Edo State Police Command has apprehended nine suspects involved in kidnapping, cult-related crimes, robbery, and other violent offences across Benin City, the command announced on Sunday. The arrests follow a series of intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks terrorizing residents.
Spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said in a statement that the arrests resulted from “sustained intelligence-led patrols, rapid response to distress calls, and proactive crime-fighting strategies under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika.” The operations spanned several areas of the Benin City metropolis over the past week, yielding notable results.
In the early hours of Saturday, January 25, operatives of the Eagle Crack Unit responded to reports of repeated gunshots at a residence along Erediuwawa Street, off Sapele Road. Officers pursued and arrested 41-year-old Emmanuel Omorodion, recovering a double-barrel gun and a live cartridge. Others at the scene reportedly escaped.
Simultaneously, actionable intelligence on cult-related activities in the Eyaen axis prompted a raid by the Intelligence Rapid Response Team (IRT) at Ibojije Hotel. The operation led to the arrest of alleged gang leader Usifo Omojale and five others. Ikoedem identified the suspects as Imafidon Jesurobo Frank, 31; Godstime Iliyoma, 23; Lukeman Itsagwode, 38; Usifoh Omomgiade, 31; and Ibhafidon Omonkhegbe, 35, all of whom confessed to being members of the Aye confraternity cult.
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“The suspects were involved in kidnapping, extortion, cultism, and other violent acts that have been terrorizing residents in the Eyaen area,” Ikoedem said, adding that investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire network and bring all members to justice.
Earlier, on Thursday, January 23, officers from the Ugbor Division, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Network, responded to a distress call about an armed robbery on Uwadia Street, off Ogunmenyi Community. One suspect, Gondas Innocent, was apprehended after sustaining pellet injuries during a gunfire exchange. Authorities recovered three machetes, a laptop, an Apple iPhone, a clipper, and clothing items from the suspect. Another suspect, Tasman Nanman, was arrested at an unfinished building identified as their hideout.
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Ikoedem emphasized that all suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law. She reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustained patrols, intelligence-led policing, and collaboration with other security agencies to safeguard lives and property across Edo State.
The police spokesperson urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to law enforcement, noting that community cooperation is crucial for effective policing. “We will continue to use intelligence-led approaches to combat crime and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” she said.
