Three suspected cult members allegedly linked to the cult-related killings of Friday, February 13, in Benin City have been arrested in a joint operation by the Edo State Special Security Squad (ESSC) and operatives of the state police command.
Gatekeepers News reports that the suspects were apprehended during coordinated raids in Amagba and Obagie communities in Benin, where security operatives recovered fetish items, arms and ammunition from their residences.
Those arrested are Osazee Omoruyi (alias Desmond Tutu), Innocent Okunozee, the Okiaghale (youth leader) of Obagie community, and Anito Osahon.
While Omoruyi and Okunozee reportedly confessed to being cult members, they denied any involvement in the killings. Osahon, who was seen weeping, denied both cult membership and any role in the violence.
Arms Recovered
Omoruyi and Osahon were arrested early Sunday at a bungalow in Amagba GRA, where operatives recovered two pump-action guns, a pistol and ammunition.
Okunozee was allegedly arrested in a separate raid the same day and linked to a Toyota Highlander Jeep, from which a rifle was recovered, before all three were presented to journalists on Tuesday.
‘I Belong to Aiye, But I Didn’t Kill Anyone’ — Omoruyi
Speaking at the scene of his arrest, Omoruyi admitted belonging to the Aiye confraternity, but denied participating in any killing.
“I belong to Aiye, but I have not been involved in any killing. I just stay with some of my guys to hustle,” he said.
On how the weapons got into the house, he claimed ignorance, blaming a friend.
“Doviano and Ekwe drove in early Sunday morning and started knocking at the gate, so I opened for them. After dropping the bag, Doviano told me ‘town no safe,’ and that I should be careful…
“The next few minutes, I heard a knock at the gate, and when I went out to open, I discovered security operatives have surrounded the building.”
Omoruyi said he joined the cult in 2012 and met his group in the Benin Zone, naming Enas, Ekwu, Emani, Dada, Sparo and Doviano as members who stayed with him.
Okunozee: ‘I Use Fetish Items for Comedy’
Okunozee, who took security operatives and journalists to his apartment in a six-flat duplex in Obagie, admitted belonging to the Black Axe confraternity, but denied being arrested with a Highlander.
“I was not caught with a Highlander. I was not even in the community that day of the arrest,” he said.
He claimed the vehicle belonged to his Chief Security Officer, Obayuwana Godspower, and denied ownership of the rifle.
On the fetish items recovered from his apartment, he said:
“I use them for comedy in my skit. If you check Funny Home comedy, you will find them. I don’t do anything like rituals.”
ESSC Issues Ultimatum
Briefing journalists, Eribo Ewanta, spokesperson for the ESSC, said the arrests followed actionable intelligence.
He issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Okiaghales of Obagie, Ofumwengbe and Ara communities to surrender to the state government or face arrest.
“The following are on the run: Enas, Koko, Amani Amani, Sparo and Dada. They should come and surrender themselves as well, or else we will track them down,” Ewanta said.
