The Ogun State Police Command has arrested eight students of Ifo High School over alleged involvement in cult-related activities within the school premises.
The students, aged between 15 and 16, were identified as Bennett Bolawatife, Aluko Taiwo, Kehinde Aluko, Omolaso Waris, Akinola Ifeoluwa, Azeez Hassan, Kilani Babatunde (also known as Soldier), and Fasedemi Samuel.
According to the state police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, the arrest followed an alarm raised by the school authorities over an emerging gang of student cultists.
She disclosed that the students were apprehended around 12:05 p.m. on Friday by operatives of the Ifo Divisional Police Headquarters in collaboration with the school management.
Odutola explained that the suspects were allegedly involved in causing disturbances and extorting valuables from fellow students.
“The Vice Principal of Ifo High School, Mr. Alako Oluwole, alongside a teacher, Mr. Akinseku Oloruntoba Julius, reported that a group of students had been engaging in cult-related activities, disrupting school activities, and extorting their peers,” she stated.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested students were members of a cult group known as “Future Guys (F.T.G.),” allegedly initiated by two senior students, Ebenezer Ope and Ebenezer Tobi, both in Senior Secondary School One (SSS1).
Odutola assured that further investigations were ongoing to uncover the extent of cult activities within the school and prevent a resurgence.
She added that the suspects would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further interrogation.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has directed that the arrested students be brought before him for further questioning on the next working day.
Cultism among secondary school students has become a growing concern in Ogun State, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to curb the menace and ensure the safety of students within educational institutions.
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