The Edo State government on Thursday demolished a building in Amagba, Benin, where two suspected members of the Aye confraternity were arrested, while five others escaped.
The demolition was in connection with recent cult-related killings in the state.
The action was confirmed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Patrick Ebojele.
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 the Governor.
Speaking to journalists after the exercise, the spokesperson of the squad, Eribo Enwanta, emphasised that the state’s anti-cultism law would be fully enforced to ensure cultism became a thing of the past.
He said, “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. We are here and have demolished this property.
“Those who escaped that day and have been declared wanted are still wanted. Koko, Enas, Sparol and the others are still wanted, and we will arrest them to face the atrocities they have committed, especially Sparol.”
Regarding the Okiagheles (youth leaders) summoned for questioning, Enwanta confirmed that two of the three had reported and were being profiled, while the Okiaghele of Obhagie, Ken Dada, was yet to present himself.
He warned, “The Okiaghele of Obhagie was given seven days to report, and that ultimatum is still counting. We hear you have been ranting on social media that the governor is not the Oba of Benin, but don’t forget there is a law you must answer to.
“When the seven days expire, we will determine if there is respect for the law in Edo State. Ken Dada, the days are counting.
“For your own good, submit yourself for questioning. If you fail to do so, we will declare you wanted, and the full weight of the state will be deployed to enforce the law.”
Meanwhile, the Special Security Squad also sealed a residence in Upper Uwa, Benin, the last known home of Etiosa Akhiombare Joshua, also known as Baba Josh, a suspected Maphite Confraternity member and alleged financier of last week’s killing at Wire Road.
Enwanta stated that intelligence reports indicated Akhiombare had relocated to Canada, prompting the involvement of Interpol to track him and ensure he faced justice.
He added, “All properties linked to the suspects will remain sealed until they present themselves. Etiosa Joshua placed a N1m bounty on the person they killed and provided funds for the weapons used.
“We have involved Interpol, and there is no hiding place for him or his conspirators. Anyone involved in killing another person in this state will be pursued.
“We cannot be intimidated. The governor’s mandate will be carried out to ensure there are no more cult killings in Edo State. We have strong coordination in the office of the Principal Security Officer, and this mandate must be achieved.”
In January 2025, Governor Monday Okpebholo signed the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025, which introduced severe penalties to curb cultism, including the death penalty for cult-related killings.
The law prescribes 21 years’ imprisonment for sponsors of cult activities and, for the first time, 10 years’ jail plus property demolition for landlords or school owners who knowingly harbour cultists.
Key provisions include the death penalty, 21-year jail terms for active members and financial sponsors, and a 10-year sentence with property seizure for individuals who permit their premises to be used for cult activities.
