400-Level Kogi Varsity Student Arrested Over Alleged Cult Initiation

Security operatives at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, have arrested a 400-level Economics student over allegations of forced cult initiation, physical assault, and threats to life.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Omale identified the suspect as Adejo Ojonimi, 25, of the Department of Economics, with matriculation number 23EC1103.

Ojonimi was arrested on Friday, June 19, 2026, by the University Vigilante Service following a complaint by a spillover student from the Department of Food Science and Technology.

The complainant alleged that Ojonimi approached him and demanded that he join the Black Axe Confraternity.

He said he refused the request, after which he was allegedly assaulted, injured, and threatened with severe consequences if he rejected the initiation.

“Out of fear for my safety, I abandoned my residence and remained in hiding for several days before reporting the matter,” the complainant was quoted as saying.

The university’s Security Unit said its investigation found visible injuries on the complainant when he reported the incident.

According to the statement, the suspect was interrogated and allegedly admitted to assaulting and threatening the victim.

The security unit also said a search of the suspect’s mobile phone uncovered conversations with other suspected cult members using the slogan “Egede”, which it linked to the Black Axe Confraternity.

It added that information connecting other individuals to the group had been extracted and documented for further security and administrative action.

The suspect has been handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Salisu Usman, commended the security operatives for their actions and warned that the institution would not tolerate cultism, violence, or criminal activities on campus.

“Let this serve as a strong warning to students and anyone involved in cult-related activities: steer clear of Prince Abubakar Audu University. We remain committed to providing a safe, peaceful, and conducive environment for teaching, learning, research, and community service,” he said.

Ahead of second-semester examinations beginning Monday, the Vice-Chancellor urged students to report suspicious activities and movements, assuring them that such reports would be treated confidentially.