The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 15 individuals suspected of cultism, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms. Commissioner of Police Ayodele Sonubi revealed this during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Ibadan.
The suspects were apprehended in connection with crimes including cult-related activities and the possession of hard drugs.
The police recovered several dangerous items during their operations, including five cult jackets with inscriptions, three dane guns, a locally made pistol, a long-barrel gun, three cutlasses, and a red cloth. Two cars were also seized as part of the investigations.
Sonubi detailed that the command had been receiving reports of cult-related activities in parts of Ibadan, particularly Apete, Abayomi (Iwo-Road axis), Ijokodo, Moniya, Monatan, Ojoo, Samonda, and Sango. These activities, marked by violent clashes, were reportedly driven by rivalry and retaliation among cult groups.
To address these concerns, the Oyo State Police Command launched intelligence-led operations targeting cult hotspots. For instance, on Friday, the anti-robbery unit arrested three suspected members of the Eiye confraternity in the Kajorepo/Ojoo area. Among them was an alleged leader, implicated in several deadly operations by the group.
In another operation on Saturday, the police raided a location in the Ijokodo area following credible intelligence. Three suspects were arrested, and a dane gun along with a locally made pistol was recovered from a hidden compartment in their residence.
Commissioner Sonubi emphasized that the police will continue proactive measures to prevent cultism from escalating in Oyo State. He urged parents, community leaders, and influencers to caution their wards and followers against joining cult groups or engaging in criminal activities.
Cultism, the Commissioner noted, poses a significant threat to public safety. The police remain committed to dismantling such groups and protecting lives and property in the state.
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