Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Osun State Police Command has announced that it will prosecute 13 suspects arrested for various offences, including alleged kidnapping, cultism, ritual-related activities, stealing, hooliganism, and unlawful possession of substances suspected to be Indian hemp. The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, disclosed this on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, during a press briefing in Osogbo, where he also paraded the suspects and provided details of the separate operations that led to their arrests across the state. The arrests, which were carried out during targeted raids and intelligence-led operations, underscore the command’s intensified efforts to curb violent crimes and restore public confidence in the state’s security architecture.
According to CP Gotan, the 13 suspects comprise two suspected kidnappers, three suspected cultists being investigated for alleged ritual-related activities, and eight other suspects apprehended during raids on identified black spots across the state. The commissioner identified the eight suspects arrested during the raids as David Ayomide, Akanbi Adijat, Kareem Afeez, Ajewale Abidemi, Oladipupo Temitope, Adeleke Chalse, Chibueze David, and Abayomi Sunday. They were arrested for offences including stealing, hooliganism, and unlawful possession of substances suspected to be Indian hemp. The three suspected cultists, identified as Michael Oluwatobi, 23; Busayo Joseph, 22; and Abu Azeez, 23, were arrested in Iree following intelligence that cult groups were terrorising the community. Gotan noted that the trio is also being investigated for alleged involvement in ritual-related activities, and operatives recovered a small coffin and locally made charms and soaps from them. “I have directed that a thorough and discreet investigation be conducted to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other members of the criminal network,” the CP stated.
In a related development, the police command announced the successful rescue of a 50-year-old Fulani herdsman, Haruna Yusuf, who was abducted on July 9, 2026, from a remote settlement near Wasinmi Village along the Gbongan-Ife-Ibadan Road. The victim was reportedly abducted by four suspected kidnappers who demanded a ransom. The police said their Violent Crime Response Unit closely monitored the ransom payment process before storming the designated collection point at Majeroku along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway on July 12. During the operation, a fierce gun duel ensued between the police and the kidnappers. One suspected kidnapper was arrested, while others fled the scene, some with gunshot injuries. The victim was rescued unharmed, and the sum of N2,217,800, believed to be proceeds of the ransom, was recovered. CP Gotan assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the kidnapping gang.
The police commissioner further disclosed that another suspected kidnapper, Buhari Mutari, was arrested in Seyin, Oyo State, through technical analysis and actionable intelligence following a foiled kidnap attempt on one Yahaya Sulaimon at Ijebu-Jesa on May 7, 2026. This arrest highlights the command’s use of technology and intelligence-sharing to track down criminals operating across state borders. CP Gotan reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping, cultism, ritual killings, armed robbery, and other violent crimes across Osun State, assuring residents that all suspects would be arraigned in court after the conclusion of investigations. The parade of suspects and the recovery of exhibits serve as a testament to the command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and property.
The Osun State Police Command has urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support its operations. The command has also warned that it will not tolerate any form of criminality and that perpetrators will be made to face the full wrath of the law. With the suspects now in custody and facing prosecution, the police have sent a clear signal that Osun State is no safe haven for criminals, as the command continues to intensify its crackdown on violent crimes across the state.
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