Benin City, Edo State — The Edo State Police Command says it has recovered three locally made pistols allegedly concealed beneath unripe plantains inside an abandoned waybill sack at a transport and waybill office along Akpakpava Road, Benin City.
The firearms were reportedly discovered on August 5, 2026, at Flight Transport Services, where the sack, addressed to Benue State, had been left unattended.
According to the police, the discovery prompted an investigation by its Anti-Kidnapping Unit, which subsequently led to the arrest of a 27-year-old man, identified as Andrew Friday, on August 7.
The police said the suspect allegedly told investigators that he was a member of the Aye Secret Cult Confraternity and claimed that the firearms had been handed to him by a person identified as Bance from Iyanomo Community.
According to the account attributed to the suspect, the firearms were allegedly being transported to Benue State for repairs in connection with anticipated clashes involving rival cult groups.
The police said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the movement of the firearms and determine whether other persons were involved.
Friday’s reported statements are allegations at this stage and have not been independently verified. The suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.
The Edo State Police Command said the recovered firearms have been retained as exhibits as the investigation continues.
