A 32-year-old man, identified as Cosmos Ado has been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in connection with the tragic death of a young man, Prosper Ezekiel, during an alleged cult initiation ceremony in Edo State.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Joel, the incident occurred on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in the Warrake Forest located within Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state. The initiation was reportedly linked to the notorious Black Axe confraternity.
The police spokesperson disclosed that three individuals — Cosmos Ado (32), Prosper Ezekiel (25), and Redeem Afeabor — all of whom hail from Afeokpella Community in Okpella, had gone into the forest to carry out the initiation ritual. However, during the course of the ceremony, Prosper Ezekiel allegedly slumped and became unconscious.
He was immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility in Jattu, where he was later pronounced dead by the attending medical doctor.
In response to credible intelligence and swift operational coordination, officers from the Auchi Police Division launched an immediate investigation and successfully apprehended Cosmos Ado at the scene. The police also conducted a thorough search of the forest area used for the initiation and recovered four expended cartridges, further linking the act to potential armed activity.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, has since ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. He also directed that all remaining individuals involved in the unlawful assembly and cult-related activity be tracked down and brought to justice without delay.
CP Agbonika reiterated the Command’s firm stance against cultism and cult-related violence, stressing that such acts would not be tolerated under any guise. He warned that anyone found culpable would be made to face the full force of the law.
“We remain resolute in our fight against cultism and related crimes. I urge all parents, guardians, traditional leaders, and religious institutions to take active roles in guiding our youths away from these criminal and destructive groups,” he said.
The police have assured the public of continued efforts to rid Edo State of cultism and called on community members to support security agencies with timely information to aid ongoing investigations.