Police Arrest 15 Suspected Cultists in Oyo State
The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended 15 suspects allegedly involved in cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, and illicit drug activities. The suspects were paraded on Monday at the Command’s headquarters in Ibadan.
Addressing journalists, the Commissioner of Police, Sonubi Ayodele, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, emphasizing the need to curb anti-social activities threatening the peace of the state.
CP Sonubi disclosed that reports of cult-related violence had been on the rise, particularly in areas such as Apete, Abayomi (Iwo Road axis), Ijokodo, Moniya, Monatan, Ojoo, Samonda, and Sango.
“In response to public concerns about cult-related activities during this festive period, the Command has arrested 15 male suspects involved in cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, and the use of banned substances,” CP Sonubi stated.
He described the threat posed by cultism as significant, necessitating strategic interventions, including intelligence gathering, advocacy campaigns, stakeholder meetings, and intelligence-led raids. These measures aim to mitigate further violence and ensure public safety.
Investigations revealed that the violence linked to cult activities was primarily retaliatory, driven by rival groups vying for dominance. The Commissioner urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to caution their wards and followers against cultism.
“The Oyo State Police Command remains steadfast in ensuring that anyone disrupting the peace of our state faces the full weight of the law,” he added.
To bolster security, CP Sonubi announced the implementation of visibility policing, coordinated stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-led raids, while also increasing supervision of officers to prevent professional misconduct, incivility, and extortion.
Arrest Details
Providing insights into the arrests, CP Sonubi revealed that on November 22, 2024, operatives of the anti-cultism unit acted on a tip-off from a student at Federal Polytechnic Ayede. The student reported suspicious activity involving individuals in a black Honda vehicle with registration number GGE 64DM, attempting to initiate students into a cult.
The swift intervention of the anti-cultism unit led to the arrest of five suspects:
- Ajayi Toheeb, 26
- Agbolahan Azeez, 19
- Amoo Ifeoluwa, 25
- Ajimuda Matthew, 26
- Tomiwa Adeniyi, 24
The suspects, identified as members of the Brotherhood Across Nigeria (BAN), also known as Alora, confessed to their involvement.
Recovered Items
During the raids, the police recovered several items, including:
- Five jackets inscribed with cult symbols
- Three dane guns
- One locally-made pistol
- One cut-to-size gun
- One long-barrel gun
- A red Toyota Camry (registration number KTU 41 JH)
- A black Honda car (registration number GGE 64 FM)
- A powder blue beret with inscriptions
- Three cutlasses
- A red cloth associated with cult activities
Paraded Suspects
In addition to the initial five, other suspects paraded include:
- Atoyebi Temitope
- Ismail Lamidi
- Rasheed Salawudeen
- Babatola Adetunji Ajibade
- Adeosun Jamiu, 31
- Musedeen Lamidi, 44
- Quyum Adesokan, 22
- Adigun Samad
- Kamorudeen Rasheed
- Toheed Abass
The Commissioner assured residents that updates on ongoing investigations would be provided. He reiterated the Command’s resolve to maintain law and order during the yuletide period and beyond.
