The Edo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the sudden disappearance of Mr. Pedro Muritala, who has reportedly gone into hiding following alleged death threats stemming from a bitter family inheritance dispute and his renunciation of a notorious secret cult.
Muritala filed a formal petition at the State Intelligence Department on December 5, alerting authorities that his life was in grave danger from both his family members and the Aye Black Axe confraternity, an organisation he formerly belonged to.
According to the petition, the crisis began over the estate left behind by his late mother, Mrs. Kudiratu Mustapha, who died in 2023.
Muritala alleged that his father, Mr. Mustapha Muritala, had unilaterally sold portions of the property and warned him against laying claim to the remainder, despite his status as the rightful first son.
He further accused his father’s relatives of issuing death threats should he continue to pursue his inheritance rights.
These verbal threats, he claimed, escalated into physical danger when he was trailed and attacked by unknown men who warned him that he would not survive another attempt to challenge the property ownership.
Documents reveal that Muritala believed the situation worsened after his father allegedly introduced a native doctor into the family home to perform rituals.
He also reported spotting strange individuals monitoring his movements, forcing him to live in constant fear.
Beyond the domestic dispute, Muritala stated he faces a perhaps more lethal threat from his past.
He disclosed to investigators that the Aye Black Axe confraternity has been pressuring him to return to the fold following his renunciation, threatening to eliminate him for refusing to rejoin.
A source familiar with the matter, who pleaded anonymity, expressed fears for Muritala’s safety, describing the confraternity as a nationwide network with deep political connections.
The source suggested that this influence might make it difficult for law enforcement to protect him, adding that his sudden disappearance has raised concerns that he may have been captured by the group.
“The group’s reach is strong enough to find him anywhere in the country,” the source claimed.
Police sources in Edo confirmed that the dual nature of the threats involving both family and a powerful cult group—has complicated the investigation.
It was gathered that Muritala went missing before investigators could place him under protective surveillance.
A senior police officer stated that the Command is currently reviewing every detail to determine the credibility and level of the threats.
Operatives are also tracking individuals linked to the reported physical assault as they intensify efforts to establish Muritala’s current whereabouts and ensure his safety.