What began as an alleged refusal to join a campus group has now escalated into a case involving assault, threats, and a 400-level student facing investigation by security agencies at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
Security operatives of the university, working alongside management, arrested Adejo Ojonimi (23EC1103), a final-year Economics student, over alleged attempted forced cult recruitment, assault, and threats to life.
He was picked up on June 19, 2026, by the university’s Vigilante Service after a complaint was filed by a spill-over student from the Department of Food Science and Technology.
According to the complainant, the suspect allegedly approached him in the NTA area behind the campus and pressured him to join the Black Axe Confraternity.
The situation reportedly escalated after he refused.
He alleged that he was assaulted, sustained injuries, and was repeatedly threatened with severe consequences if he did not comply with initiation demands.
“Out of fear for my safety, I abandoned my residence and remained in hiding for several days before reporting the matter,” he was quoted as saying.
A preliminary investigation by the university’s Security Unit reportedly confirmed visible injuries when the complaint was lodged.
Security sources also said the suspect
admitted during interrogation to aspects of the assault and threats, while a search of his mobile phone allegedly revealed conversations linked to suspected cult members, including references to the slogan “Egede,” which authorities associate with the Black Axe Confraternity.
Information retrieved from the device, including contacts of other individuals allegedly connected to the group, has been documented for further investigation and possible security action.
The university has since handed the suspect over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution
.
Reacting to the development, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, commended the university’s security team and restated the institution’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism, violence, and related activities on campus.
With examinations approaching, he urged students and staff to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour, assuring that all reports would be treated with confidentiality.
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