Okpebholo Links Attack on MC Porkupyne to Cult Activities, Denies Govt Involvement

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has attributed the reported attack on Benin-based comedian Osagie Idiedia, popularly known as MC Porkupyne, to suspected cult-related activities, dismissing allegations linking his administration to the incident as fake news.

The governor made the remarks on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, while receiving members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, at the Government House in Benin City.

According to a report by Daily Post, Okpebholo said intelligence gathered by the state government suggested that the assault was connected to cult-related activities rather than any government-sponsored operation.

The comedian was reportedly attacked in the early hours of Saturday, October 24, while returning from the birthday celebration of the wife of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The incident generated public reactions, including allegations of possible government involvement in the assault.

However, Okpebholo rejected the allegations, insisting that he was in Kaduna State when reports of the attack surfaced on social media.

“I heard the incident occurred at 1 a.m. I was in Kaduna State when I saw the incident on social media, and they attributed it to the government. This is fake news,” the governor said.

He explained that his administration’s intelligence gathering linked the incident to cult-related activities, although he did not publicly disclose specific evidence supporting that assessment.

The governor also questioned the circumstances surrounding the attack, particularly the comedian’s reported inability to identify his assailants.

According to Okpebholo, MC Porkupyne told him that the attackers wore masks and that he could not recognise them, although he reportedly put their number at eight.

The governor questioned how the comedian could count the number of people involved but remain unable to identify them, using the account to challenge allegations connecting the state government to the incident.

Okpebholo urged members of the public to exercise caution when consuming information circulated on social media, stressing the importance of relying on credible media reports and verified information.

Police Launch Investigation

The governor’s comments came after the Edo State Police Command announced an investigation into the reported assault.

In a statement issued on Saturday, October 24, the police said Commissioner of Police Patrick Daaor had ordered an immediate and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

The police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the command condemned violence, assault and unlawful attacks, assuring residents that the matter would be treated seriously.

The command also appealed to anyone with useful information about the incident to assist investigators, while urging residents to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed.

As of the reports cited, the police investigation was ongoing, and no publicly confirmed findings had established the identities of the attackers or independently verified the governor’s claim of a cult-related motive.

The incident has renewed attention on the safety of residents and the need for security agencies to establish the facts surrounding violent attacks in Edo State.

The outcome of the police investigation is expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances of the assault and whether those responsible can be identified and brought to justice.

Okpebholo Links Attack on MC Porkupyne to Cult Activities, Denies Govt Involvement