3 suspected cultists arrested, arms recovered in Calabar

Police operatives in Calabar, capital of Cross River State, have arrested three suspected members of the Neo Black Movement of Africa, popularly known as the Axe Men Confraternity, and recovered a locally made pistol.

They were nabbed on Tuesday morning by operatives of the State Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad, while on routine township patrol around 8 Miles by Technical Roundabout in Calabar.

A statement signed by the PPRO, Irene Ugbo, disclosed that the suspects were intercepted in a Hyundai Elantra vehicle with registration number CAL-894-GG, which conveyed the three male occupants.


“Upon conducting a search, the operatives recovered a locally made pistol and two (2) live cartridges from one of the suspects, Jessy Moga, aged 20.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects: Oshaka Joseph, 29yrs; Jessy Moga, 20yrs; and Joseph Odey, 29yrs, are members of the cult.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of a secret cult and further disclosed that the firearm in their possession was handed over to them by their former leader known as Santos, who is allegedly responsible for the shooting of a university lecturer at the University of Cross River State in April 2025.”

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, has ordered a discreet investigation into the case with a view to apprehending all those connected to the crime and ensuring they face the full wrath of the law.

Afegbua also urged parents and guardians to be vigilant and always monitor the activities of their children in order to enhance peace in the state and report suspicious activities to the nearest police stations and other security agencie