Police arrest 37 suspects over alleged sexual, domestic abuse in Edo

The Edo State Police Command said it has arrested 37 suspects over alleged involvement in sexual and domestic abuse in the state.

The State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed this while addressing journalists on the command’s achievements in the month of September.

He said as part efforts to tackle the disturbing trend of sexual and gender-based violence, including domestic violence, 37 suspects allegedly involved in rape and domestic abuse were arrested.

He added that the suspects have been investigated and are being prosecuted in the court.

According to him, the Command also arrested suspects allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, cultism, among others, in the State.

“Seven suspected Kidnappers were arrested while two others were neutralised,” he said.

He added that 48 kidnap victims were also rescued during various operations within the period under review.

He further disclosed that the Command successfully disrupted cult initiation in Benin City, Auchi and Ekpoma, leading to the arrest of 38 suspected cultists, including leaders of rival groups.

He explained that the command also reduced cult killings in Benin City within the period to zero percent.

Agbonika listed the items recovered within the period to include eight firearms, 56 live ammunition, and five expended cartridges.

Others included nine vehicles,
18 motorcycles, six car master keys, 10 University of Benin’s Car Security Access Cards, android and nine Apple phones, and two POS machines.

He said as part of its renewed operational strategy, the Command has intensified its focus on intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, and most importantly, community-driven partnerships through flagship Community Safe partnership and Informal Policing Initiative.

He further noted that the command has built a network of support that has greatly enhanced its crime-fighting
capabilities in the State.