Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
Abeokuta, Nigeria — The Ogun State Police Command has arrested fourteen suspects in connection with unlawful assembly and suspected cult initiation activities following a coordinated overnight security operation in parts of Ipara, Ode and Isara-Remo areas of the state.
The arrests were carried out in the early hours of Saturday after security operatives received credible intelligence indicating that suspected members of a notorious cult group had converged in a bush area within Ipara-Remo to initiate new members and plan activities capable of disrupting public peace.
According to the police, the operation was jointly executed by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, and personnel from the Ipara and Isara divisional headquarters. The raid commenced at about 1:20 a.m. and led to the apprehension of thirteen male suspects and one female at the scene.
During the operation, police recovered several dangerous items believed to be linked to cult-related activities. These included locally fabricated firearms, live ammunition, and materials commonly associated with confraternity groups. Officers also seized multiple mobile phones, charms, and a drum suspected to be used during initiation rites. Additionally, nine vehicles of various makes were recovered, some without registration numbers and others bearing unauthorised dealer plates, raising further suspicions of criminal intent.
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the development in a statement, noting that the intelligence leading to the operation suggested that members of the Eiye Confraternity were involved. He stated that the swift and coordinated response by security operatives prevented what could have escalated into violence or public disorder within the affected communities.
DSP Babaseyi explained that the suspects are currently in police custody and undergoing intensive investigation. He added that once investigations are concluded, the suspects will be charged to court in accordance with the law.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, strongly condemned all forms of cultism, unlawful gatherings and criminal disturbances in the state. He described cult-related violence as a serious threat to social stability, particularly among youths, and warned that the command would not tolerate any activities capable of undermining public safety.
CP Ogunlowo urged young people to shun cultism and criminal affiliations, emphasizing that such paths only lead to destruction, imprisonment or loss of life. He reassured residents, parents, students and community leaders of the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
The police command also disclosed that security operations in the area have been intensified, with continuous intelligence-led patrols ongoing to track down other suspected members who may have fled the scene during the raid. Authorities say these measures are aimed at sustaining peace and preventing a resurgence of cult-related violence in the Remo axis and other parts of the state.
Residents have been encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious movements, gatherings or activities that could pose security risks. The police stressed that timely information from the public remains a critical tool in preventing crime and ensuring swift response to emerging threats.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated its determination to maintain law and order and warned that anyone found engaging in cultism or related criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments