Operatives of the Edo State Special Security Squad have arrested 12 suspected cultists during an alleged cult initiation ceremony in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Daily Trust reports that the squad also sealed two apartments allegedly used for cult initiation activities during coordinated raids across several hotspots in the city.

The suspects were arrested during raids carried out in Ekosodin, Isihor, Old Road off S&T Barracks, Airport Road, 19th Street, Ugbowo, Ogba-Evbuodia and Evbuomore Quarters following the recent killing of a student near the University of Benin (UNIBEN) gate on Sunday.

The squad’s spokesperson, Noah Idemudia, said the 12 suspects arrested were not directly linked to the killing but were allegedly identified as members of various cult groups after symbols, signs and other incriminating materials were reportedly found on them.

He disclosed that the suspects had been handed over to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, for profiling and further investigation.

Idemudia explained that one of the sealed apartments located in Ogba-Evbuodia was allegedly being used for cult initiation activities.

According to him, operatives who attempted to arrest suspects at the location were attacked, prompting authorities to seal the property and invite the owner for questioning.

He further alleged that some Okaigheles across communities in the state were aiding violent crimes.

According to him, intelligence reports indicate that sophisticated weapons used in deadly attacks are often traced to communities within the state.

He warned community leaders to ensure peace within their domains, stressing that any Okaighele found in possession of unlicensed weapons would be treated as a criminal.

“Reports reaching us indicate that some Okaigheles are allegedly harbouring criminals. Intelligence reports also suggest that sophisticated weapons used in deadly attacks on citizens are allegedly sourced from communities,” he said. (Daily Trust)

Why our operatives visited UNIUYO Teaching Hospital — EFCC

By ISAAC AREGBESOLA

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says its operatives’ visit to University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Akwa Ibom on Tuesday, was to authenticate a medical report presented by a suspect.

Its Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, made the clarification in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Oyewale said that the visit was informed by the need to authenticate a medical report presented by a suspect under remand by Justice M.A. Onyetunu of the Federal High Court, Uyo.

He said that the suspect was remanded for allegedly defrauding multiple micro finance banks, including University of Uyo Micro Finance Bank.

He said that the suspect had presented a medical report which required authentication from the management of the UUTH.

“The efforts of the commission’s operatives, however, were met with strict resistance as the officers were attacked and locked inside by some misguided members of staff at the hospital.

He said that in spite of the hostility and provocation, there was no breakdown of law and order.

He explained that the operatives exercised restraint and professionally made their ways out of the hospital premises without disrupting its activities.

According to him, the commission had earlier written two different letters, dated March 11, and April 20, to the hospital management with regards to the authentication and received no response.

”The Investigating officer handling the matter took further steps of visiting the hospital to inquire about the status of the request. Still, no response.

”As a last resort, operatives of the commission visited the Chief Medical Director of the hospital on Tuesday to make further enquiries, only to be locked in with a false alarm and subjected to unprovoked attack by misguided staff of the facility who pelted them with stones and other dangerous objects.”

He added that while within the hospital, the CMD reportedly directed that gates of the facility be shut, making it impossible for any lawful inquiry to be made.

”Police authorities in Akwa Ibom advised the CMD to open the hospital gates to enable the operatives exit the premises peacefully but the entreaties were turned down.

”Enquiries bordering on operational engagements of the commission are lawful. It is therefore necessary to remind the public and corporate bodies that they are obligated to cooperate with the agency in such circumstances.

”Contrary action could be deemed as obstruction, which is criminal with attendant legal consequences,” he said (NAN)

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