The Edo State Police Command has arrested 18 suspects for alleged involvement in various crimes across the state.
Funsho Adeboye, the state Commissioner of Police, paraded the suspects on Saturday, saying they were arrested for alleged kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms, among other charges. The CP described the rate of cult-related killings in the state as alarming.
He stated that anyone found to be involved in cultism would face prosecution, regardless of their social status.
He stated that the police would not fold its hand and allow criminals to hold the state hostage, adding that the police has the support of the state government in its drive to rid the state of criminals.
He listed the items recovered from the suspects as follows: one locally made single barrel pump-action gun, two locally made cut-to-size pistols, one AK 47 rifle, six cartridges, one vehicle, a police walkie-talkie, an axe, a face mask, a packet of cigarettes, and Indian hemp.
He stated, “The Edo State Police Command has arrested 18 suspects for crimes ranging from cultism to kidnapping, among others. We are prepared to investigate the activities of criminals throughout the state.
“The state is now a no-go zone for cults. The police will ensure that they are unable to operate, and we encourage parents to warn their children to desist from cultism, as anyone caught will be arrested and be made to face the law.”
Adegboye also admonished officers and men to imbibe the philosophy of democratic policing with the fear of God and love for the citizens when performing their duties.
