Kogi varsity student arrested over alleged cult recruitment, assault

A 25-year-old 400-level Economics student of the Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State, has been arrested over alleged cult-related activities, including attempted forced initiation, assault and threats to the life of a fellow student.

The suspect, Adejo Elisha Ojonimi, with matriculation number 23EC1103, was arrested on June 19, by members of the Vigilante Service following a complaint lodged by a student of the Department of Food Science and Technology.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale, the incident stemmed from the complainant’s refusal to join a cult group allegedly promoted by the suspect, who resides in the NTA area behind the university campus.

The management said the victim was physically assaulted and sustained serious injuries after rejecting the recruitment attempt.

It added that persistent threats to his life forced the student to abandon his residence and remain in hiding for several days before reporting the matter to security operatives, who later 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.

“Further investigation, including an examination of the suspect’s mobile phone, revealed conversations with other suspected members of a cult group identified as Confraternity,” the statement said.

The university said information relating to other individuals allegedly linked to the suspect and the cult group had been extracted and documented for further security investigation and possible administrative action.

“The suspect has since been handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation and possible prosecution,” the statement added.

Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, warned students and other individuals involved in cult-related activities to stay away from the institution.

He reiterated the university’s zero-tolerance policy on cultism, violence and all forms of criminality within and around the campus.

“The institution remains committed to providing a safe, peaceful and conducive environment for teaching, learning, research and community service,” he said.

The arrest comes barely two weeks after a 300-level Biochemistry student of the university was shot dead in a suspected cult-related attack on campus.

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