Osun: Police arrest six in crackdown on suspected cultists

Six suspected cultists have been arrested by the Osun State Police Command following a security operation targeting criminal hideouts in Osogbo, the state capital.

The operation, which yielded suspected criminal charms, illicit drugs and cash, aimed to dismantle suspected cult groups and prevent further violence and other criminal activities in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Tuesday, explaining that tactical teams carried out the raids following directives from the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura.

The suspects were identified as Ajibade Lateef, 21; Olaniyi Kabiru, 27; Ifaleke Ifedeji, 18; Tajudeen Wasiu, 35; Abideen Babatunde, 35; and Opeyemi Lukman, 18.

Ojelabi disclosed that preliminary investigations had linked the suspects to the Eiye Confraternity and alleged criminal activities around Mackay Junction in Osogbo.

He said the command had intensified its security operations to rid the state capital of criminal elements and prevent activities capable of threatening residents’ safety.

According to him, the latest arrests formed part of a broader strategy to tackle cultism, drug-related offences and other crimes through intelligence gathering, coordinated raids and targeted operations.

The police spokesperson warned that the command would not relent until identified criminal hideouts had been thoroughly investigated and individuals suspected of criminal activities had been brought to justice.

“The raids will continue across identified black spots and criminal hideouts until criminal elements are flushed out and lasting peace and security are sustained in Osogbo and other parts of Osun State,” he said.

He added that the command was strengthening its intelligence network and tactical capacity to identify and apprehend other suspects believed to be involved in cult-related violence, drug offences and other criminal activities.

The Commissioner of Police, Zungura, also warned suspected cultists, drug peddlers and other criminal elements against using Osun State as a base for their activities, insisting that the command would take the necessary lawful steps to maintain peace and protect lives and property.

The command called on parents, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to collaborate with security agencies by providing useful information that could help prevent crime.

It urged members of the public to report suspicious movements and suspected criminal activities to the nearest police station, stressing that community participation remained vital to the success of its security operations.

The police reiterated their commitment to sustaining the crackdown on criminal hideouts across Osogbo and other parts of the state, with a view to strengthening public confidence and ensuring a safer environment for residents.