Oyo Police Arrest 15 Cult Suspects, Recover Guns, Other Items

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 15 suspects linked to cultism and firearms-related offenses during a series of coordinated raids across various locations in the Ibadan metropolis.

The Commissioner of Police, Ayodele Sonubi, who paraded the suspects on Tuesday at the Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, disclosed that the arrests were made as part of ongoing efforts to curb cult-related activities in the state.

Sonubi identified the affected areas as Apete, Abayomi (Iwo-Road axis), Ijokodo, Moniya, Monatan, Ojoo, Samonda, and Sango, which have become hotspots for cult-related crimes.

The suspects, who reportedly confessed to being members of the “Brother Across Nigeria” (BAN), also known as “Alora,” were paraded alongside items recovered during the raids. These included five inscribed cult jackets, three Dane guns, one locally-made pistol, one cut-to-size gun, one long-barrel gun, and a red Toyota Camry vehicle with registration number KTU 41 JH.

Highlighting the police operation, Sonubi said: “The Oyo State Police Command remains resolute in tackling cultism and other violent crimes. We will not relent in our efforts to ensure that anyone who disturbs the peace of our state faces the full wrath of the law.”

The Police Commissioner further revealed that a sting operation at the Federal Polytechnic Ayede led to the arrest of five individuals who were attempting to initiate students into a cult group.

In another incident, four suspects were apprehended near a cultist hideout at Shasha Motor Park in Ojoo, Akinyele Local Government Area, with weapons and illicit drugs recovered during the raid. Additionally, on December 14, the police arrested three robbery suspects in the Ijokodo area and seized firearms from their hideouts.

Sonubi emphasized the Command’s proactive strategies, including intelligence-led raids, stakeholder advocacy, and regular stop-and-search operations aimed at ensuring public safety, particularly during the Yuletide season.

“The relative tranquility enjoyed by the good citizens of Oyo State is non-negotiable. If you see something, say something, and the police will do something,” Sonubi urged.

The Police Commissioner also appealed to parents, religious leaders, and community heads to help tackle cultism by educating young people on its dangers.

“Cultism is a growing threat to public safety and tranquility. I appeal to parents, guardians, and community leaders to actively discourage youths from engaging in such activities,” he added.