Police warn cultists against mayhem in Edo

The Edo State Police Command has warned cult groups over plans to cause widespread mayhem on July 7, a day set aside for the Aye Cult Founders Day celebration.

This was contained in a statement on released on Monday, by the command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu.

Yamu stated that the police command has, in a proactive move, made deployments across the state to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order.

The statement read, “Following intelligence reports received by the command that certain cult groups are planning to cause mayhem on 7/7, which is an annual event, the Edo State Police Command has, in a proactive move, made deployments across the State to ensure that there’s no breakdown of law and order.

“The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, warns parents and guardians, including hoteliers, lounge and bar owners, and other places that could serve as a harbour for these criminals, not to allow any unlawful gathering in their business places or face the wrath of the law.

“He further appealed to the general public to be security conscious and promptly report any suspicious gatherings or activities around them to the Police through the following phone numbers: 08077773721 or 08037646272.”

Recall that the police, in their latest effort to rid the state of criminal elements, arrested 16 suspected cult members in different parts of the state.

One of the notable arrests made was Bello Salami (33 years), a member of the Maphite Confraternity, who was fingered in the recent killing of three vigilante members along Wire Road in Benin City.

The suspect, a confessed Maphite, was arrested on 28/06/2025 at about 10:00hrs at the Benin airport while attempting to flee the State.

Also, ammunition was recovered, and the command vowed to prosecute anyone found complicit after a thorough investigation.

Source: Punch