By Queen Madaki
Security operatives working in collaboration with the management of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, have arrested a student suspected to be involved in cult-related activities, including an alleged attempt to forcibly initiate another student into a cult group, physical assault and death threats, The Bureau Journal reports.
The arrest is part of the university’s ongoing campaign to rid the institution and its environs of cultism and other social vices.
Suspect Arrested Following Complaint
The suspect, identified as Adejo Elisha Ojonimi, a 25-year-old 400-Level student of the Department of Economics with matriculation number 23EC1103, was arrested on Friday, June 19, 2026, by members of the Vigilante Service following a complaint lodged by a spill-over student in the Department of Food Science and Technology.
According to the complainant, Ojonimi, who resides in the NTA area behind the university campus, allegedly approached him and 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 subsequently threatened with severe consequences if he failed to comply with the initiation request.
Victim Allegedly Went Into Hiding
The complainant further stated that the persistent threats forced him to abandon his residence and remain in hiding for several days due to fear for his safety before eventually reporting the matter to security authorities.
The case was later referred to the University’s Security Unit for further investigation.
According to the university, preliminary investigations revealed visible injuries on the complainant at the time the report was made.
Security Investigation Uncovers Alleged Cult Links
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to certain aspects of the alleged assault and threats.
Further investigations, including checks conducted on the suspect’s mobile phone, allegedly revealed conversations with other suspected members of a group identified by the slogan “Egede,” which security authorities linked to the Black Axe Confraternity.
The university said information relating to other individuals allegedly connected to the suspect and the group has been extracted and documented for further security investigations and possible administrative action.
The suspect has since been handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Vice-Chancellor Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Cultism
The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, commended the vigilance and professionalism displayed by the security operatives and other stakeholders involved in the operation.
He reiterated the university’s zero-tolerance policy on cultism, violence and all forms of criminal activities within and around the institution.
Professor Usman warned students and other individuals involved in cult-related activities to stay away from the university, stressing that the institution remains committed to providing a safe and conducive environment for teaching, learning, research and community service.
He also urged members of the university community, particularly as the second semester examinations commence, to promptly report suspicious movements or activities that violate the institution’s security guidelines, assuring them that all reports would be treated with confidentiality and seriousness.
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