Police Arrest 21 Secondary School Students Over Cultism In Edo

Personnel from the Edo State Police Command have taken into custody 21 pupils of Ogioma Public Secondary School in Benin City on suspicion of involvement in cult-related activities.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, who made this known through a statement issued on Saturday, November 15, 2025, stated that the arrested students were aged between 14 and 17 years.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, the arrests came after an attempted assault on Osemwende Public Secondary School, situated at Oghoghibi off Benin–Sapele Road in Benin City, was successfully thwarted by security operatives.

“The Edo State Police Command has arrested 21 students of Ogioma Public Secondary School, located at Limit Road off Benin-Sapele Road, aged between 14 and 17 years, who are suspected to be cultists,” the statement read.

“This followed a foiled attack on Osemwende Public Secondary School, located at Oghoghibi off Benin–Sapele Road, Benin City.

“On 12th November 2025 at about 1:45 pm, operatives attached to the Loveworld Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, acting on credible intelligence, swiftly mobilised to Osemwende Public Secondary School, where students suspected of engaging in cultism from Ogioma Public Secondary School stormed the premises in a convoy of motorcycles, allegedly to carry out violent acts.

“The prompt response of the police led to the arrest of 21 of the invading students, namely: Promise Afekokhian (16), Samuel John (16), Godstime Sunday (15), Basit Kareem (14), Destiny Lucky (15), Miracle Peter (16), Victor Innocent (14), Osazee Efe (16), Usman Adamu (17), and Orodge Miracle (15)

“Others are Godspower Agharevba (16), Favour Ogunde (16), Clinton Oghenetega (17), Wisdom Ehimen (17), Zenith Jonathan (17), Steven Monday (14), Ogbebor Calistus (17), Marvelous Imadefe (15), Success Ogar (16), Osaro Osama Praise (13), and Miracle Bassey (16), while others escaped.

“Four knives and a chain were recovered from the suspects. A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had earlier circulated a threatening voice note, boasting of plans to ‘stage a war,’ burn down the school, and harm students and staff — a threat they attempted to carry out before being contained by police intervention.

“Both school principals have been invited for further questioning, and the arrested suspects have been arraigned in court for prosecution. Eight of the 21 suspects were remanded, while 13 were released to their parents/guardians, who will in turn produce them on 28th November 2025 for the next court sitting.”

The Commissioner of Police for Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, advised parents and guardians to monitor more closely the activities and associations of their children and wards, both inside and outside the school premises.

He further urged school administrators to enforce stricter discipline, report any suspicious gatherings or threats without delay, and work in close partnership with the police to curb juvenile delinquency and school-based violence.

The CP affirmed that the command is fully dedicated to guaranteeing the safety and security of all citizens, particularly within educational institutions throughout the state, in accordance with the Nigeria Police Force Safe Schools Initiative.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli