One supposed cultist, Cosmos Ado, has been arrested in connection to a deadly initiation ritual that led to the death of a young man, Prosper Ezekiel, in the Edo State.
This accident occurred on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in the Auchi, Warrake forest, Etsako West Local Government Area of Nigeria, according to the police. Ezekiel reportedly collapsed while undergoing initiation into the cult fraternity of Black Axe and was rushed to a medical center in Jattu, where he was certified dead by a doctor.
Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Joel, disclosed that the suspects Cosmos Ado (32), Prosper Ezekiel (25), and Redeem Afeabor were all Afeokpella Community indigenes in Okpella.
Based on reliable intelligence, the operatives of Auchi Police Division moved to the area quickly and arrested Cosmos Ado. Four expended cartridges were picked at the initiation site, which is under investigation.
Edo State Police Commissioner, CP Monday Agbonika, has called for a thorough investigation into the act and directed that all other individuals who are involved in the criminal act be arrested.
Sighing over the Command’s zero tolerance for cultism, CP Agbonika urged parents, guardians, and traditional rulers to collaborate with law enforcement to dissuade youths from joining the criminal network.
Anyone who is apprehended for cult activities will be dealt with in accordance with the full strength of the law,” threatened the police commissioner.
