Three suspected cultists 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.

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, also known as Desmond Tutu; Innocent Okunozee, identified as the Okiaghale (youth leader) of Obagie community; and AnitoOsahon. While Omoruyi and Okunozee admitted belonging to cult groups, they denied involvement in the killings. Osahon denied both cult membership and any link to the violence.

Omoruyi and Osahon were arrested on Sunday morning at a bungalow in Amagba, GRA, where two pump-action guns, a pistol and ammunition were recovered. Okunozee was arrested in a separate raid the same day. Authorities said a rifle was recovered during the operation.

Speaking after being taken back to the Amagba residence, Omoruyi admitted membership of the Aiye confraternity since 2012 but denied participating in any killings. He claimed ignorance of the weapons allegedly brought into the house by two associates in the early hours of Sunday.

Okunozee, who led security operatives to his apartment in a six-flat duplex in Obagie, admitted being a member of the Black Axe confraternity but denied being arrested with a vehicle or rifle. He also dismissed allegations surrounding fetish items recovered from his apartment, claiming they were used as props for comedy skits.

Briefing journalists, the ESSC spokesperson, EriboEwanta, said the arrests followed actionable intelligence. He disclosed that several other suspects were still at large and issued a seven-day ultimatum to identified community youth leaders in Obagie, Ofumwengbe and Ara to surrender or face arrest.

Ewanta warned that security agencies would track down fleeing suspects if they failed to turn themselves in, adding that efforts were ongoing to rid the state of cult-related violence.