Police apprehend herbalist, pregnant wife during ritual in Benue

A suspected ritualist, Godspower Oghenerumu and his pregnant wife, have been arrested for alleged ritual activities in Benue state.

The Benue police command revealed that the couple are among 25 suspects arrested for various offences across the state.

Spokesperson for the command, SP Catherine Anene, in a statement on Wednesday, said the spiritualist, his pregnant wife and five others travelled from Delta State to Benue State for the activity.

She said they were in the process of carrying out a ritual on 21st of November 2023 when operatives on patrol nabbed them and whisked the suspects away.

According to the spokeperson, 15 suspected arm manufacturers were nabbed and two others were arrested at Mbakiya village, Ugondo District, Makurdi, capital city after robbing one Misaq Eke.

The statement reads; “On 21/11/2023, at about 1900hrs, while a police team was on routine patrol along Barracks road, Makurdi, information was received that one Godspower Oghenerumu, a suspected ritualist (yahoo yahoo), his pregnant wife and five others had arrived Makurdi from Delta State and were carrying out ritual activities.

“The team rushed to the scene and arrested the spiritual leader, his wife and five others. During investigation, followers of the ritualist stated that they were involved in some ritual activities in Delta State that did not yield any money as promised.

“Godspower told them that the spirit had directed that they should move to Benue where further directives would be given to them on how money would be manufactured.

She added, “On 15/11/2023 at about 1620hrs, the team busted the hideout of arm dealers along Vandeikya-Adikpo Road and arrested one Fater Terkula Sunday and Jem Demesugh.

“On the spot search of the hideout led to the recovery of six locally fabricated barretta pistols and a motorcycle.”

The PPRO said a locally made barretta pistol, two gas cylinders, one welding cylinder, two welding nozzles and a Sienna bus were recovered from the suspects.