15th May, 2015
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
There are indications from Edo Police Command on Thursday that the four officials of Edo State Government and others arrested in connection with alleged cult activities may be charged for terrorism.
A source from the Police Command headquarters in Benin, confided that “arrangements are ongoing to charge those arrested for terrorism.”
But when contacted, Edo State Police Command spokesman, Stephen Onwochie, however said investigations were ongoing, that the suspects would be charged based on the outcome of investigation.
P.M. NEWS recalls that the Chairman of Edo State Committee on War Against Indiscipline, Mr. David Olukoga, and three others were said to be among those arrested by a special squad of the Nigeria Police Force dispatched from Abuja by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase.
The suspects were arrested on alleged complicity and murder of 10 Nigerians in the last one month in Edo state.
In a swift reaction to the development, Edo State Government washed its hands off the alleged involvement of the officials in the cultism saga which led to their arrest by the police.
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Louis Odion in a statement in Benin, said government received the news of arrest of its officials over cult related issues with a big shock.
“The reports came as a big shock to us. While it is inappropriate to jump to conclusion until police investigations are concluded, let me put it on record that cultism in whatever form negates the values Comrade Adams Oshiomhole holds dear. This is easily verifiable from his zero tolerance of thuggery and any form of political violence over the years.
“If found guilty, be rest assured that the Comrade Governor will ensure the rule of law prevails against officials involved. We encourage members of the public to cooperate with the police to root out cultism from our neighbourhood and communities,” Odion said.