30 suspected cult members to face court in Ogun

No fewer than 30 suspected cult members arrested during a police raid on an alleged initiation ceremony in Isara-Remo, Ogun State, will be charged in court after investigations. This was announced by the Ogun State Police Command.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, shared this in a statement on Thursday.

According to Babaseyi, the suspects were caught by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit working with detectives from the Isara Area Command and Isara Division. They acted on intelligence reports about an illegal gathering.

Babaseyi noted that the suspects gathered at an uncompleted building in Isara-Remo for activities related to cult initiation. This included meetings, chanting, and drinking alcohol.

The operation took place around 4 pm on June 16 after police received reliable information about the gathering.

"Acting on the intelligence, the Commander of the VCRU quickly mobilised a team from the unit, Isara Area Command, and Isara Division. The operatives stormed the location, broke up the gathering, and arrested the suspects in a well-planned operation," he stated.

The police spokesperson named the suspects as Muiz Olawale, Adeniji Akinwale, Ajayi Victor, Damilola Oluwasegun, Adewale Olayemi, Aminu Rahmon, Olodudu Ademola, Matthew Imoleayo, Adenle Habeb, Lekan Qudus, Olamilekan Ayanleke, and Adegbasa Ezekiel.

Others include Ibukun Adeniyi, Abiodun Babatunde, Oshofolahan Michael, Salau Adedeji, Benjamin Kehinde, Magnus Elijah, Oluwadamilare Samson, Oyebowale Ojutona, Abiodun Makanjuola, Idowu Toheeb, Olamide Sunday, Malik Also, Abdullahi Damilola, Israel Ayomikun, Oyeledun Ezekiel, Adelabu Imoleayo, Ajayi Oluwasegun, and Olaawun Faith.

The PPRO also mentioned that four vehicles were found abandoned by suspects who fled during the raid.

He added that other items collected at the scene included a jackknife, a local drum, and bottles believed to have been used for drinking alcohol.

"Four vehicles allegedly left behind during the attempted escape were recovered, along with items like one jackknife, one local drum, one sekere, and bottles used for alcohol during the illegal gathering," Babaseyi stated.

He mentioned that the suspects have been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, where they are being investigated. They will face charges in court when the investigation is complete.

The police spokesperson noted that efforts are still ongoing to catch other suspects who ran away during the raid.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers involved and confirmed the command’s determination to fight cult-related activities across Ogun State.

"The operation shows the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and zero tolerance for violent crime and unlawful gatherings. Cultism and related crimes will not be allowed in any part of the state," the statement added.

This news comes as security agencies step up efforts to tackle cultism and violent crimes in Ogun communities. PUNCH Metro reports that the command has carried out several raids recently, leading to the arrest of suspected cult members, kidnappers, and armed robbers. This is part of ongoing measures to improve public safety and security.

In April, the command arrested three suspects in separate operations in the Mowe and Sagamu areas, recovering locally made guns, cartridges, and charms linked to cult and criminal activities.