The Lagos State Police Command has arrested Emmanuel Nwokolo, the suspected leader of a cult group, who confessed that the killings allegedly committed by his group left him haunted and unable to sleep.
Speaking to journalists, Nwokolo stated that he joined the group after being promised a better life. He said, "It is true that I am a member of the Aiye cult group. My name is Emmanuel Nwokolo. I am into internet business. I was introduced to the Aiye Confraternity by one of my friends, Hurry, who is now late."
Nwokolo explained that he met Hurry during a visit to a friend's place on Lagos Island about three years ago. They became close and maintained the relationship after he returned to his base. He noted that initially, it was just a casual friendship, and he was not a member of any cult group. After some time, Hurry told him to join the Aiye cult group because he was handsome and promised him success and an improved life. However, Nwokolo admitted that he has not seen any improvement since joining.
Reacting to allegations that his gang killed more than 10 people in Shibiri, Ajangbadi, and Ilogbo, Nwokolo said, "I only participated in the killing of four people. The four people I know were members of rival cult groups in our area." He described the first victim, Soweto, a member of the Eiye Confraternity, who also had a gun. Emma, one of the group members, identified Soweto, and they lured him to a place by lying that they wanted to buy hard drugs. Four of them—Emma, Paragon, Santa, and Nwokolo—carried out the operation, with Nwokolo recording the act.
He recounted another killing of a person whose group, Aro Berger, had formed an alliance with the Eiye Confraternity to fight them. Emma pointed out the victim before they killed him. The third person was an Eiye member named Bisi, also involved in selling hard drugs. David identified him, and their leader, AB, also known as Awilo, led them to where he was sighted, and they killed him. Nwokolo stated that Emma and David are the most active members, identifying the people to be killed. He only followed them to kill four people, and his only role was recording the process.
Nwokolo expressed remorse, saying, "Whenever my group killed any rival member, I couldn't sleep in my house for days. The memories brought fear and restlessness. It affected me emotionally."
Police alleged that Nwokolo and other suspects were involved in cult-related violence that terrorized residents of Ajangbadi, Shibiri, Ishashi, and Ilogbo communities. Two other suspects, Israel Ayoola and Ebuka Nnamdi, claimed they were lured into cultism by promises of influence, protection, and social connections.
Confirming the arrests, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said investigations linked the suspects to several violent crimes in the area. She disclosed that a video recovered from one suspect's phone allegedly showed the killing of unidentified persons in Ajangbadi and neighboring communities. According to her, the suspects confessed to membership of the Aiye Confraternity and involvement in multiple killings and other criminal activities. Police also recovered three firearms—two locally made pistols and a revolver—as well as 13 live cartridges during the operation. Further investigation is ongoing.
