The Edo State Government has escalated its crackdown on cult-related violence by seeking international assistance (Interpol) to apprehend a suspect accused of sponsoring recent killings in Benin City.
Authorities say the suspect, identified as Etiosa Akhionbare Joshua, allegedly bankrolled violent activities linked to cult groups in the state capital before relocating abroad.
According to officials, properties connected to him will be sealed pending his return to answer questions.
Spokesman of the Edo Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultist and Kidnappers in Edo State,” Eribo Enwanta, made the disclosure while overseeing the demolition of a building in the Amagba community.
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The property was said to be linked to suspected cult activity, with two individuals arrested at the scene while five others reportedly escaped.
Enwanta stated that the suspect, also known as Baba Josh, is believed to have moved to Canada, prompting the state government to involve INTERPOL to track and repatriate him.
He further alleged that the suspect placed a N1m bounty on a victim and financed the procurement of weapons used in the killing.
On the demolition exercise, Enwanta explained it was carried out in line with the state’s anti-cultism law. He added that two community youth leaders, known as Okaigheles, have presented themselves for questioning.
According to him, “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.”
“The Okiaghele of Obagie, we gave him seven days to submit himself and that ultimatum is still counting. We hear he has been ranting on social Media that the governor is not the Oba of Benin.
“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 will go after them.
“We cannot be intimidated and the Governor 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.”
