Over the weekend, the Ogun State Police Command apprehended 116 individuals suspected to be cult members in the Ifo area of the state.
The arrest was made by the command’s Anti-Cultism Squad at Galaxy Hotel, Ibogun Road. Among the arrested individuals, there were 70 males and 46 females, all affiliated with the Aye Confraternity.
At approximately 01:42 hours, the suspects were taken into custody. The police had received a security report regarding the cultists’ activities in the area, including their plans for initiation and anniversary ceremonies.
Acting on this report, the Anti-Cultism Squad was deployed to the scene, resulting in the successful apprehension of the suspects.
The recovered items from the operation included four axes, seven cutlasses, anniversary invitation cards, banners, illicit drugs, and cannabis.
A statement from the police said, “On August 26, 2023, around 01:05 hours, based on intelligence received regarding the 20th anniversary celebration of the Neo Black Movement, also known as Aye Confraternity, Ifo Forum, the Commissioner of Police instructed the Tactical Unit and officers from Ota Area Command to proceed to the location.
“After conducting surveillance, over 300 cult members, including female invitees, were observed at the scene, gathered for the Aye Day celebration in Ogun State.
“Upon seeing the police team that had already cordoned off the area, the suspects fled in different directions, and 116 individuals, including 70 males and 46 females, were apprehended.
“During the operation, various exhibits were recovered from the scene, including four axes symbolizing their confraternity, suspected Indian hemp, and a cultist anniversary banner, among other items.”
The suspects have been taken to the Eleweran Police Command headquarters, where they are currently being interrogated.
Mr. Abiodun Alamutu, the state Police Commissioner, issued a warning to cultists and other criminals to steer clear of the state. He emphasized that the police command will not tolerate criminal behavior in any form and that all police units in the state have been instructed to thoroughly comb all areas known for criminal activities to ensure law and order.