Police arrest 116 suspected cultists in Ogun
By Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended 116 suspected cult members in the Ifo area of the state.
Among the arrested individuals were 70 males and 46 females, all of whom were affiliated with the Aye Confraternity.
The police’s Anti-Cultism Squad conducted the operation at Galaxy Hotel on Ibogun Road, successfully apprehending the suspects at approximately 1:42 am.
The police had received a security report regarding the cultists’ activities in the area, specifically their plans for initiation and anniversary ceremonies. Acting on this information, the Anti-Cultism Squad swiftly intervened, resulting in the arrest of the suspects.
During the operation, law enforcement officers seized various items from the cult members, including four axes, seven cutlasses, anniversary invitation cards, banners, illicit drugs, and cannabis.
The statement read, “Today 26/08/23 at about 0105hrs, based on intelligence received on the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Neo Black Movement, a.k.a Aye Confraternity, Ifo Forum, the Commissioner of Police directed the Tactical Unit and men from Ota Area Command to the scene.
“Surveillance was mounted and over 300 cult members were sighted. These included female invitees who gathered for the celebration to mark Aye Day in Ogun State.
“On sighting the team of policemen who had already cordoned off the scene, they fled in different directions and 116 suspects were arrested, including 70 males and 46 females.
“Exhibits recovered from the scene during operation include four axes, representing the symbol of their confraternity, weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, cultist anniversary banner among other recoveries.”
The suspects have been taken to the Eleweran police command headquarters and are currently undergoing interrogation.
The State Police Commissioner, Mr Abiodun Alamutu warned that cultists and other criminal elements should steer clear of the state.
He emphasised that the police command under him will not tolerate any criminality in whatever guise, adding that all formations in the state have the mandate to comb all dark spots to rid the state of criminals.
