The Ogun State Police Command has recorded a major operational breakthrough with the arrest of 14 suspected cultists during coordinated sweep operations across Isara, Ipara, and the Ode axis of Ogun State.
The arrests, carried out in the early hours of the day, were part of sustained intelligence-led operations targeting criminality and threats to public peace across the state, according to the command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi.
Babaseyi disclosed that the suspects were apprehended for unlawful assembly and conspiracy to breach public peace.
Items recovered during the operation include three locally made pistols, eleven live cartridges, four rounds of 9mm Beretta ammunition, criminal charms, confraternity caps, and a drum allegedly used for cult initiation.
Also recovered were 19 mobile phones, a Samsung mini laptop, and nine vehicles of various brands, some without registration plates and others bearing unauthorized dealer plates.
He explained that at about 1:20 a.m., actionable intelligence revealed that members of the Eiye Confraternity had gathered in large numbers at a bush location in Ipara-Remo, allegedly to initiate new members and plan activities capable of breaching public peace.
“Acting swiftly, a joint team of operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), supported by personnel from Ipara and Isara divisions, conducted a coordinated sweep operation,” Babaseyi said. “Fourteen suspects, thirteen males and one female, were arrested at the scene.”
Those arrested were identified as Solomon Shobamiwo, also known as “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.
The police spokesperson confirmed that all suspects are currently undergoing investigation and will be charged to court upon completion of the probe.
He added that sweep operations and intelligence-led patrols have been intensified across the affected axis to apprehend fleeing suspects and ensure sustained peace and public safety.
The Ogun Police Command reiterated its commitment to dismantling cult networks and restoring confidence in security across communities in the state.