Pastor, others nabbed for murder, cultism in Edo

Operatives of the Edo State Police command have arrested a pastor and four others for the murder of a welder, identified as Abu Iboje.

Cultists in Edo State

Abu was killed in April at his workshop along Upper Sokponba road in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state.

The pastor, who identified himself as Greatman Ita, however, denied being involved in the killing of Abu.

He said he was arrested outside his shop by another suspect.

Another suspect, Lazarus Anthony, said he led other members of his cult group to kill Abu.

Lazarus, aged 21, said Greatman was the driver of the vehicle they used to commit to murder.

He said they killed Abu because a member of their cult group was earlier killed by Abu.

According to him, “I am a cultist and belong to black axe. Abu and his squad killed Kelvin at Upper Sokponba. The next day, I led my squad to kill Abu at his workshop. I used locally made gun.”

“It was Edoba that asked us to do the killing, This is the first person I have killed. After killing him, I became confused and did not know what came over me.

“I am pleading with the government to forgive me. I want to renounce my cult membership. We are many that are cultist in that street.”

Other suspects arrested are Sylvester Ikhifa, Obiosa Noble and Okeh Godstime.

It will be recalled that over 40 persons were killed in a renewed cult war before the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, ordered a clampdown on cultists in the state.

Pastor, others nabbed for murder, cultism in Edo