Suspected Cultist Arrested Over Attempted Forced Initiation at PAAU
By Yahaya Idris
A suspected cultist has been arrested by security operatives working in collaboration with the management of Prince Abubakar Audu University over alleged involvement in cult-related activities, including attempted forced initiation, physical assault, and death threats against a fellow student.
In a statement issued by Uredo Omale, Public Relations Officer
Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, the arrest is part of the university’s ongoing campaign to eliminate cultism and other social vices within the institution and its surrounding communities.
The suspect, identified as Adejo Elisha Ojonimi, a 25-year-old 400-level student of the Department of Economics with matriculation number 23EC1103, was apprehended on Friday, June 19, 2026, by members of the Vigilante Service following a complaint filed by a spill-over student from the Department of Food Science and Technology.
According to the complainant, Ojonimi, who resides in the NTA area behind the university campus, approached him and allegedly demanded that he join a cult group identified as the Black Axe Confraternity.
The student alleged that after refusing the demand, he was physically assaulted, sustained injuries, and was threatened with severe consequences should he continue to resist initiation into the group.
The complainant further stated that the repeated threats forced him to abandon his residence and remain in hiding for several days out of fear for his life before eventually reporting the incident to security authorities. The matter was subsequently referred to the university’s Security Unit.
Preliminary investigations reportedly confirmed visible physical injuries on the complainant at the time the report was filed.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to aspects of the assault and threats.
Further investigations, including a search of the suspect’s mobile phone, reportedly uncovered conversations linking him to other suspected cult members associated with the Black Axe Confraternity, whose members allegedly use the slogan “Egede.”
Security operatives also extracted information relating to other individuals allegedly connected to the suspect and the cult group. The information has been documented for further investigation and possible administrative action.
The suspect has since been handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Salisu Ogbo Usman, commended the vigilance, professionalism, and cooperation demonstrated by security operatives and other stakeholders involved in the operation.
He reiterated the institution’s zero-tolerance policy toward cultism, violence, and all forms of criminal activity within and around the university.
Professor Usman warned students and other individuals involved in cult-related activities to stay away from the institution, stressing that the university remains committed to maintaining a safe, peaceful, and conducive environment for teaching, learning, research, and community service.
He also urged members of the university community, especially as second-semester examinations commence, to promptly report suspicious activities or movements that violate the management’s recently released security guidelines to the appropriate authorities.
He assured the university community that all reports would be treated with strict confidentiality and seriousness.
