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Killings: Okpebholo seeks Interpol's help on arrest of fleeing suspected cultist

Edo State Government has written to the International Police (INTERPOL) to help secure arrest of a fleeing suspected cultist who alleged financed recent cult related killings in Benin City. It

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February 19, 2026byThe Nation
2 min read

Edo State Government has written to the International Police (INTERPOL) to help secure arrest of a fleeing suspected cultist who alleged financed recent cult related killings in Benin City.

It said all property linked to the suspect identified as Etiosa Akhionbare Joshua would be sealed until he presented himself.

Spokesman of the Edo Special Security Squad codenamed "Operation Flush Out Cultist and Kidnappers in Edo State", Eribo Enwanta, disclosed this while supervising demolition of a building in Amagba community where two suspected cultists were arrested and five others escaped.

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Enwanta said Akionbare known as Baba Josh, has relocated to Canada which made the State government to involve Interpol to help track him down and bring him back to the state to face justice.

He said the suspect placed a N1m bounty on the victim and also provided funding for the weapons used in the killing. 

Speaking on the demolished building, Enwanta, said it was part of implemention of the anti cultism Law.

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He said two community youth leaders (Okaigheles) have submitted themselves for questioning.

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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."l

"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."

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