The Edo State Government has declared eight persons wanted over their alleged involvement in recent cult-related activities across the state, including killings in parts of Benin City.
The individuals declared wanted include three community youth leaders, popularly referred to as “Okiagheles,” and five suspected cult members currently at large.
This was disclosed in a statement dated Monday, February 16, 2026, by Dr. Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
According to the statement, the government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the three youth leaders to report themselves to the State Special Security Squad, code-named “Operation Flush Out Cultist and Kidnappers,” to clear their names.
“The Edo State Government is giving the three youth leaders seven days ultimatum to report themselves in Government House to clear themselves of wrong doing and in connection to the recent cult killing in the State.
“The five suspected cult members declared wanted are Enas, Koko, Amani Amani, Sparol and Dada. These are their nicknames but these suspects who are on the run know themselves”, the statement said.
The youth leaders affected are the Okiaghele of Obagie, Ofumwengbe and Ara communities.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the State Special Security Squad, Eribo Enwanta, confirmed that the Okiaghele of Obazagbon community, Innocent Okunozee, a suspected member of Black Axe confraternity, has been arrested and is currently in custody.
Enwanta explained that the suspect was apprehended after weapons and live ammunition were allegedly discovered in a Highlander jeep driven by the community’s Chief Security Officer, Mr. Godspower Obayuwana, who is said to be his cousin.
He further revealed that following recent killings in parts of Benin, the Special Security Squad, led by the Principal Security Officer (PSO) to the Governor, carried out coordinated raids in Amagba community in Oredo Local Government Area and Obagie community in Ikpoba-Okah Local Government Area, leading to multiple arrests.
“After a raid at the Amagba community two suspected Black Axe Confraternity members identified as Osazee Omoruyi and Osahon Anito were arrested. Preliminary investigations linked the Okiagheles and five others who escaped from the raided compound to the recent cult killings.
“Also, following the recent cult disturbance in the State, an intelligent report led to the raiding and arrest of two Aye cult members at Yuwa Kokoma Street in Amagba GRA.
“The squad has made huge success with this arrest in pursuant of its responsibilities and duties in making the State crime free, free from killing and all other social vices”, he added.
Enwanta added that security operatives also stormed the residence of one of the suspected cult members in Amagba community to conduct further searches for additional incriminating evidence to aid ongoing investigations.
He urged residents with useful information about the whereabouts of the wanted individuals to contact relevant security agencies, while also calling on the fleeing suspects to voluntarily submit themselves for investigation.
Speaking on his alleged involvement, one of the arrested suspects in Amagba community, Osaze Omoruyi, who described himself as an internet fraudster, confessed to being a member of Black Axe confraternity. However, he denied involvement in the recent killings.
Omoruyi, popularly known as Demond Tutu, stated that he joined the cult group in 2012. He further alleged that one Doviani brought home on Sunday, February 15, 2026, a Lexus jeep suspected to have been used in the killings, along with a bag containing a pump action gun, a berretta, a pistol, live ammunition, and several photographs, including that of a couple.
