Benin, Edo – In a troubling development that has sparked concerns over internal police conduct and the fight against cultism, two officers from the Iyekogba Area Command in Edo State are allegedly being held in detention on the orders of a Commissioner of Police (CP) following the arrest of a suspected cult member.

The incident, which unfolded on December 29, 2025, has raised questions about potential protection of criminal elements within law enforcement circles, even as the Edo State government intensifies efforts to eradicate cult-related activities.

According to reports circulating on social media, officers attached to the Iyekogba Area Command acted on intelligence regarding a suspected cultist accused of terrorizing local communities.

The suspect was intercepted while on a motorcycle and taken into custody for interrogation. During profiling, the individual reportedly confessed to belonging to a cult group, with evidence supporting the claims.

However, while the investigation was ongoing, the suspect allegedly contacted a CP not stationed in Edo State, claiming he had been dispatched by the commissioner for a plumbing job at her residence.

The CP, upon learning of the arrest, is said to have reacted strongly, ordering the immediate release of the suspect and the detention of the arresting officers. The officers named in the reports are Inspector Nosa Onaghise and France Oyakhire, both currently serving at the Iyekogba command.

The investigation file is reportedly now with the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Operations at the state command, while the officers remain detained.

This alleged interference comes amid a broader crackdown on cultism in Edo State. Just weeks earlier, on December 13, 2025, Edo State Police Command arrested 27 suspected members of the Neo Black Axe Movement (also known as the Aiye Confraternity) during an initiation ceremony in Urohi village, Esan West Local Government Area.

In that operation, one suspect was neutralized in a gun duel, and authorities recovered firearms and vehicles.

Similar raids have been reported, including the arrest of 13 suspected Aiye members in Delta State on December 20, 2025, highlighting the regional prevalence of cult activities.

Critics argue that such incidents could undermine police morale and the state's anti-cultism campaign. The Edo State government has publicly vowed to eliminate cult-related violence, with ongoing operations like "Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers" leading to multiple arrests in recent months.

The reports call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to launch an immediate investigation, warning that shielding suspects could erode public trust and embolden criminal networks.

As of now, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued an official statement on the matter.

Attempts to reach the Edo State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful. Sources close to the situation suggest this could point to deeper issues of favoritism or corruption within the force, though these remain unverified allegations.

Community leaders and civil society groups in Edo have expressed outrage, emphasizing the need for transparency.

"This appears to be a shield for cultists by elements within the police," one social media post stated, echoing widespread sentiment.

With cultism linked to rising violence in the region, including murders and kidnappings, the resolution of this case could have significant implications for law enforcement effectiveness in Nigeria's South-South zone.