Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a 30-year-old man, Idris Obarayi, suspected of belonging to a cult group and being involved in armed robbery in Abeokuta.
Police said a locally made pistol and one live cartridge were recovered from Obarayi following a midnight distress call over suspected gunfire and screams in the Oke Ago-Owu area of Abeokuta North Local Government Area.
Spokesperson for the command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abeokuta.
According to him, the incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on October 20, 2026, when the command received a report of suspected gunshots and screams in the area.
Following the distress call, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit were immediately deployed to the scene.
Babaseyi said the suspect fled upon sighting the police operatives and abandoned the firearm and ammunition while being pursued.
He said sustained tracking and investigative efforts by the operatives later led to Obarayi’s hideout at Ita Ogboni, Igbore, Abeokuta, where he was arrested at about 5:45 p.m. the same day.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly admitted to membership of the Aiye confraternity and claimed ownership of the recovered items,” Babaseyi said.
Police authorities said investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify other suspects believed to be connected with it.
Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, commended the SWAT operatives for their prompt response to the distress call and subsequent efforts that led to the suspect’s arrest.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive policing and the swift apprehension of criminal suspects across the state.
He also assured residents that credible information would continue to receive prompt attention, while efforts to identify and arrest other fleeing suspects would be sustained.
The police commissioner urged residents to continue with their lawful activities and report suspicious movements or incidents through appropriate police channels.
He assured the public that the command would remain vigilant in its efforts to protect lives and property across Ogun State.
