By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
A 400-level student of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to force a fellow student to join a cult group, assaulting him and issuing death threats.
The suspect, Adejo Elisha Ojonimi, a student of the Department of Economics, was arrested on June 19 by members of the Vigilante Service following a complaint from a spill-over student in the Department of Food Science and Technology.
According to the complainant, Ojonimi allegedly pressured him to join the Black Axe Confraternity and attacked him after he refused.
The victim said he sustained injuries during the assault and was repeatedly threatened with dire consequences if he declined initiation into the group.
The student further alleged that the threats forced him to flee his residence and remain in hiding for several days before reporting the matter to security authorities.
University authorities said preliminary investigations confirmed that the complainant had visible injuries when the report was made.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to aspects of the assault and threats.
Security operatives also disclosed that a search of the suspect’s mobile phone uncovered conversations with other suspected cult members linked to the Black Axe Confraternity, popularly identified by the slogan “Egede.”
Information relating to other suspected members and associates has been extracted for further investigation and possible administrative action.
The suspect has since been handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation and prosecution.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, commended security personnel for their vigilance and professionalism, reiterating the institution’s zero-tolerance policy on cultism and other criminal activities.
He urged students to report suspicious movements and security breaches, assuring them that all reports would be treated confidentially.
The statement was signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale.
