Charles Esther
Police operatives in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, have arrested three suspected members of the Neo Black Movement of Africa, widely known as the Axe Men Confraternity.
The suspects were caught with a locally made pistol during a routine patrol by the State Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad.
Arrest Made During Morning Patrol
The suspects were apprehended on Tuesday morning around 8 Miles by Technical Roundabout in Calabar.
They were intercepted while driving in a Hyundai Elantra with registration number CAL-894-GG.
The three male occupants were immediately subjected to a search.
Weapons Recovered from Suspects
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Irene Ugbo, operatives recovered a locally made pistol and two live cartridges from one of the suspects identified as Jessy Moga, aged 20.
Identities of the Suspects
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are:
- Oshaka Joseph, 29 years old
- Jessy Moga, 20 years old
- Joseph Odey, 29 years old
Police confirmed that all three individuals are members of the Axe Men cult group.
Suspects Confess to Cult Membership
During interrogation, the suspects admitted belonging to the confraternity.
They further revealed that the firearm was handed over to them by their former leader known as Santos.
Santos is allegedly linked to the April 2025 shooting of a university lecturer at the University of Cross River State.
Police Commissioner Orders Full Investigation
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, has ordered a discreet investigation into the case.
He assured that all individuals connected to the crime will be tracked down and prosecuted according to the law.
Parents Urged to Monitor Children’s Activities
Afegbua also appealed to parents and guardians to be vigilant over their children’s behavior.
He stressed the need for families to monitor activities that may lead to cult involvement and to promptly report suspicious movements to the police and other security agencies.
