Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested two suspected members of the notorious Maphite cult group during a raid on a suspected cultists’ gathering in Ohonre Community, off Adolor College Road, Benin City.
The suspects, identified as Victor Peter, 21, and Iyemoma Ogbewe, 35, were arrested after police operatives attached to Ugbowo Division swiftly responded to a distress report on May 21, 2026, concerning the movement and gathering of suspected cult members within the community.
According to the Command, the operatives, who were on surveillance patrol at about 7pm, stormed the area following credible intelligence. On sighting the police team, the suspects reportedly fled in an attempt to evade arrest.
The police, however, gave them a hot chase, leading to the arrest of the two suspects.
Further details obtained by this online newspaper revealed that a search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of one cut-to-size gun allegedly in their possession for unlawful purposes.
Police said the suspects later confessed during interrogation to being members of the dreaded Maphite cult group, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other fleeing gang members.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the swift response of the operatives, stressing that the Command remains committed to denying criminal elements any operational space within the state.
The police boss also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring that all reports would receive prompt attention.
The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday.
