The Edo State Government on Thursday demolished a building in Amagba, Benin, linked to suspected cult activities, following the arrest of two alleged Aye members and the escape of five others connected to recent cult-related killings in the state.
The action was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Patrick Ebojele. The demolition was executed by the Special Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers in Edo State, led by the Principal Security Officer to the Governor.
Addressing journalists after the operation, the squad’s spokesperson, Eribo Enwanta, said the state’s anti-cultism law would be strictly enforced to eliminate cultism in Edo.
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 declared wanted. Koko, Enas, Sparol and the others are still wanted, and we will arrest them to face the atrocities they have committed, especially Sparol.”
On the directive issued to Okiagheles to report to the squad, Enwanta confirmed that two of the three youth leaders had presented themselves and were undergoing profiling, while the Okiaghele of Obhagie, Ken Dada, had yet to comply.
Enwanta noted, “The Okiaghele of Obhagie, we gave you 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 law you must answer to.
“When the seven days expire, we will know if there is a law in Edo State. Ken Dada, the days are counting. For your own good, submit yourself for questioning, and when you fail to do so, we will declare you wanted, and the full weight of the state will be deployed to enforce the law.
“Others have come to honour the invitation, and we are profiling them as we speak, but Ken Dada has decided to be a law unto himself.”
The squad also sealed off a residence in the Upper Uwa area of Benin believed to be the last known address of Etiosa Akhiombare Joshua, also known as Baba Josh, alleged to be a member of the Maphite Confraternity and a suspected mastermind and financier of last week’s killing at Wire Road.
Enwanta disclosed that intelligence reports indicated the suspect had relocated to Canada, prompting the state government to involve Interpol to facilitate his arrest and extradition.
He maintained that all properties linked to the suspect would remain sealed pending his appearance before authorities.
“When we leave here, we will go to your sister’s house and church, from there we will go to your father’s house. Etiosa Joshua placed a N1m bounty on the person that they killed; he also provided money for the weapons used in the killing. We have involved Interpol, and there is no hiding place for him and his conspirators. Anybody who has had a hand in killing another person in this state, we will go after them.
We cannot be intimidated, and the Governor’s mandate will be carried out to ensure there is no more cult killing in Edo State. We have very good 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, introducing stringent penalties to combat cultism, including capital punishment for cult-related killings.
The law also prescribes 21 years imprisonment for sponsors and active members, and a 10-year jail term alongside property demolition for landlords or school owners who knowingly allow their premises to be used for cult activities.
