Operatives attached to the Ugbowo Division of the Edo State Police Command have arrested two men suspected of cult-related activities during an operation in Benin City.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, revealed this in a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Benin City.
According to Ikoedem, the suspects, identified as Victor Peter, 21, and Iyemoma Ogbewe, 35, were apprehended on May 21, 2026, at about 7 p.m. in Ohonre Community, located off Adolor College Road in Benin City.
She explained that operatives of the Ugbowo Division, who were conducting surveillance patrols in the area, acted on a distress call reporting the movement and gathering of suspected cult members within the community.
The police spokesperson stated that the officers swiftly mobilised to the scene, but the suspects reportedly attempted to escape upon noticing the presence of the operatives.
She noted that after a brief chase, the police succeeded in arresting the two suspects, who allegedly confessed to being members of the notorious Maphite cult group.
Ikoedem further disclosed that a cut-to-size gun allegedly being used for unlawful purposes was recovered from the suspects during a search.
She added that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest other members of the group who fled the scene.
