Police framed me as cultist – Pastor

A suspect, Pastor Osaruwme Edosa, who was arrest by the police over cultism has denied being a member of any cult group in Edo State.

Speaking with journalists at the Edo State Police Command after he was paraded alongside 10 others, Edosa, who is in charge of the Win Nation Ministry, said he only got to know why he was arrested during his parade.

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He said, “I was walking on the road at about 7pm after visiting a hospital to pray for sick patients when the police stormed out of their vehicle and bundled me inside.

“When I asked what my offence was, they didn’t tell me anything, and even when I tried to explain to them that I am a pastor, they didn’t listen. I am just hearing now that I was arrested for cultism.

“I am a pastor, I go to hospitals in the area to pray for patients. I initially stayed at Ekhuan Barracks, but the place is very far from Lawani area where I pray for patients. So because of the distance I decided to get a house close to the area.”

He further said, “On that day, after praying for patients, I called my agent who told me the landlord of the house would be available by 7pm. So, I was walking on the road after seeing the landlord when the police jumped out from their vehicle, bundled me in and drove to the station.”

He added that, “I am a pastor and I have a registered ministry called Win Nation Ministry. I am a child of God and not a cultist as claimed by the police.”

The command’s spokesperson, Chidi Nwabuzor, said the suspects were arrested during the clampdown on cultism following recent cult-related clashes in the state.