Anyigba, Kogi State – Security operatives have arrested a 400-Level student of Prince Abubakar Audu University, PAAU, over alleged attempted forced cult initiation, physical assault and death threats against a fellow student, as part of the university’s ongoing crackdown on cultism.
In a press release dated 22/6/2026, the university said security operatives “working in close collaboration with Prince Abubakar Audu University Management, as part of the ongoing campaign to rid the University and its environs of cultism and other social vices have arrested a student suspected to be involved in cult-related activities, including attempted forced initiation, physical assault, and threats to life of a fellow student.”
The suspect was identified as Mr. Adejo Elisha Ojonimi, a 25-year-old 400-Level student of the Department of Economics with Matriculation Number 23EC1103. “The suspect, Mr. Adejo Elisha Ojonimi, a 25-year-old 400-Level student of the Department of Economics with Matriculation Number 23EC1103, was apprehended on Friday, 19th June 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 campus, “approached him and demanded that he join a cult group he described as the ‘Black Axe Confraternity’.” The student alleged that “upon refusing the demand, he was physically assaulted, injured and further threatened with severe consequences by the suspect if he refuses to be initiated.”
The complainant said the threats forced him into hiding before he reported the matter: “The persistent threats compelled him to abandon his residence and remain in hiding for several days out of fear for his safety before eventually reporting the matter to security authorities, who subsequently referred the case to the University’s Security Unit.”
“Preliminary investigation revealed visible physical injuries on the complainant at the time the report was made. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to certain aspects of the assault and threats,” the statement added.
A check of the suspect’s phone allegedly linked him to a cult group: “Further investigations and check on the suspect’s mobile phone, revealed his conversations with other suspected cult members of a cult group with slogan of “Egede” known for the ‘Black Axe Confraternity’. Information relating to other individuals allegedly connected to the suspect and the cult group and others has also been extracted and documented for further security investigation and administrative action.”
The suspect has since been handed over to the appropriate security agency “for further investigation and possible prosecution.”
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, commended the operation and restated the university’s stance: “The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, commended the vigilance, professionalism, and cooperation demonstrated by the security operatives and other stakeholders involved in the operation. He reiterated the University’s unwavering zero-tolerance policy towards cultism, violence, and all forms of criminal activity within and around the institution.”
He warned students involved in cultism to stay away: “Professor Usman warned students and other individuals involved in cult-related activities to steer clear of the University, stressing that the institution remains committed to providing a safe, peaceful, and conducive environment for teaching, learning, research and community service.”
With second semester examinations beginning today, he urged the community to report suspicious activity: “He also urged members of the University community most especially as the second semester examination begins today, to promptly report suspicious activities or movements that violates the recently released Management guidelines on security to the appropriate authorities on the campus assuring them that all reports would be treated with utmost confidentiality and seriousness.”
Signed: Uredo Omale, Public Relations Officer, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba
