Edo: Police deny murdered sergeant linked to cult

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

Police authorities in Edo State have denied claims that the murdered Sergeant, Mr. Monday Ehigie was linked to a cult group.
The late policeman was reportedly shot dead when gunmen wreaked havoc in Nomayo Street, Upper Sokponba Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the State last week.
The State Police Commissioner, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, had spontaneously told journalists in the state after the bizarre incident that the deceased was a cultist, unleashing furious reaction by the Ehigie’s family.
Addressing newsmen on the investigations so far at Edo State Police Command, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odusu, confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection to the alleged murder.
He paid tribute to the brave policeman who was orderly to Mr. Eric Osayande, for killing two of the members of his assailants before he (Monday Ehigie) gave up the ghost.
Odumosu revealed that he was highly disturbed to read disparaging comments against him that he had tagged the late Monday Ehigie a cultist in order to deny his family his entitlements.
He said the police would be involved in the burial of the late sergeant, adding that he had personally visited the bereaved immediate family.
“The police has no right to call anybody a cultist. Only the court that can do that. We do not have the powers to do that. “Whether he was in uniform as at the incident happened or not, a policeman is on duty at any time”, he said.