Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Osun State Police Command has arrested and paraded 24 suspected cultists and political thugs in a major crackdown on violent crimes threatening public safety ahead of the state's August 15 governorship election. The suspects were presented to journalists on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the police headquarters in Osogbo, the state capital, by Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan. The parade follows intensified police operations across the state and comes just weeks after the Deputy Inspector-General of Police ordered a show of force to flush out criminal elements.
Addressing journalists, Gotan disclosed that the command had arrested the suspects in separate operations across the state, adding that investigations into their alleged roles in cult-related killings, armed robbery, and political thuggery were ongoing. He warned that the police would not tolerate acts capable of undermining security in the state. "I want to reiterate the Command's commitment to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the forthcoming elections," Gotan said. "I am using this opportunity to warn all criminally minded individuals, including cultists, political thugs and other troublemakers, to desist from acts capable of disrupting public peace and order or face the full wrath of the law".
The full list of suspects paraded includes Kareem Saheed (aka Tanfiani), Oyeladun Muideen (aka Akilapa), 46; Ridwan Adekola, 39; Mukaila Azeez (aka Mikki), 33; Sunday Friday (aka Akube), 26; Olamilekan Fatai, 27; Tiamiyu Ismail, 26; Famuyiwa Adekunle Toib, 30; Ajiboye Toheed, 28; Morufu Sodiq, 24; Folorunsho Moshood, 31; Hassan Sodiq, 32; Badiru Saheed, 26; Adegoke Olalekan, 27; Faruk Olawale, 25; Iyanuoluwa Sarumi, 30; Afolabi Ahmed, 30; Adeshina Lukman, 39; Mutiu Opeyemi, 32; Olushola Daniel, 32; Abiola Olabode, 39; Azeez Abiodun, 32; Babatunde Kehinde, 23; and Dada Mayowa, 31.
CP Gotan further disclosed that Kareem Saheed, also known as Tanfiani, was linked to the killing of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade, who was struck by a stray bullet at Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government Area on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The teenager's death had sparked widespread outrage and heightened tensions in the state. Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier commended the police for the arrest of the suspect. Saheed, however, claimed that he had retrieved a gun from behind an Accord Party bus on Friday and that the firearm was later returned following the intervention of political leaders. He also insisted that the viral video in which he appeared was recorded on Friday, not on Sunday when the boy was fatally shot.
Gotan acknowledged that some of the recent violent incidents had been given political undertones but assured residents that the police would remain professional, neutral, and guided solely by the rule of law. He also appealed to residents for cooperation and timely information to assist security operations, noting that the command was determined to ensure that the August 15 governorship election is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. "We will remain professional, neutral and non-partisan in the discharge of our constitutional responsibilities and continue to uphold the rule of law without fear or favour," he said.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments