FULL LIST: 21 Secondary School Students Arrested for Alleged Cult Activities After Foiled Attack

Police in Edo State have arrested 21 students from Ogioma Public Secondary School, Benin City, on suspicion of cult-related activities. The students, aged between 14 and 17, were apprehended after allegedly attempting to attack Osemwende Public Secondary School in Oghoghibi off Benin–Sapele Road.

The Edo State Police Command said operatives from the Loveworld Division, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the students on November 12, 2025, around 1:45 pm. The suspects reportedly arrived at the school in a convoy of motorcycles intending to carry out violent acts.

Among those arrested were 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 include 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). Some suspects managed to escape.

Police recovered four knives and a chain from the students. Preliminary investigations revealed that the group had circulated a threatening voice note boasting of plans to “stage a war,” set fire to the school, and harm students and staff.

Both school principals have been invited for questioning, while the arrested students have been arraigned in court. Eight of the 21 were remanded, and 13 were released to their parents or guardians, who are required to present them for the next court session on November 28, 2025.

Edo State Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika urged parents to closely monitor their children’s associations and called on schools to reinforce discipline, report suspicious activity promptly, and work with law enforcement to curb juvenile delinquency. He emphasized the command’s commitment to safeguarding students under the Nigeria Police Force Safe Schools Initiative.