The Ogun State Police Command arrested 14 suspected cultists during a midnight raid on bush locations in Ipara-Remo, Ode, and Isara-Remo, following reports of a clandestine initiation ceremony.
The suspects, including 13 males and one female, were apprehended in the early hours of Saturday. Police said the operation targeted members of the Eiye Confraternity, who had allegedly gathered for unlawful assembly and initiation of new members.
A total of three locally fabricated pistols, 11 cartridges, four rounds of 9mm Beretta ammunition, cult paraphernalia including caps, charms, a drum reportedly used in initiation rituals, 19 mobile phones, and nine vehicles of various brands were recovered during the sweep.
Some vehicles were reportedly without number plates, while others displayed unauthorised dealer plates.
Confirming the arrests, the police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said:
“Acting on credible intelligence, a joint team from the Anti-Cultism Unit and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, supported by personnel from Ipara and Isara divisions, carried out a coordinated operation at about 1:20am on January 24. The suspects are currently under investigation and will be charged to court on conclusion of inquiries.”
The suspects, named by police, include Solomon Shobamiwo (“Solo Hot”), Farooq Ogunsola, Toheeb Abolade, Balogun Williams, Ayodele Abdulkareem, Adedapo Ogunsanya, Toheeb Saka, Akpan Dara, Micheal Olakemi, Habeeb Olayinka, Dapo Adeola, Adetunji Adeyemi, Henry Kingsley, and Nanso Blessing.
Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, condemned cultism and other forms of unlawful assembly, describing them as serious threats to public peace and safety.
He urged youths to disengage from cult-related activities and reassured residents, parents, and students of the police’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
The command also appealed to members of the public to report suspicious activities via emergency lines, as ongoing patrols and sweep operations continue across the axis to apprehend fleeing suspects and ensure sustained security
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