The Police yesterday hit pay dirt in its ongoing sweep operations to rid Remo axis of Ogun State of cultism, a perennial criminal activity bedeviling this area and a source of headaches to the police.
Acting on intelligence, the police made a midnight sting operation on the Eiye Confraternity, an allegedly criminal cult posing threats to public peace across Isara, Ipara, and Ode in axis of Ogun State.
According to DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ogun State Command, at about 1:20 in the wee hours of the night yesterday, actionable intelligence revealed that members of the Eiye Confraternity had gathered in large numbers at a bush location in Ipara-Remo, Ogun State, planning to initiate new members and breaching the peace through unlawful assembly.
Acting swiftly, a joint team of operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), supported by personnel from Ipara/Isara Divisions, conducted a coordinated sweep operation, arresting fourteen (14) suspects, which included one female member.
In the midnight operation, the police recovered three locally-made pistols, eleven live cartridges, four rounds of 9mm Beretta ammunition and assorted charms.
Other items seized from the cult group included confraternity caps, one drum (part of the tools for cult initiation), nineteen mobile phones, one Samsung mini laptop, and nine vehicles of various brands, some without registration plates and others bearing unauthorized dealer plates.
Among the fourteen members of the notorious cult apprehended are: Solomon Shobamiwo also known as “Solo Hot”; Farooq Ogunsola; Toheeb Abolade; Balogun Williams; Ayodele Abdulkareem; Adedapo Ogunsanya; and Toheeb Saka.
Others are Akpan Dara; Micheal Olakemi; Habeeb Olayinka; Dapo Adeola; Adetunji Adeyemi;Henry Kingsley and Nanso Blessing, a female member.
DSP Babaseyi informed the press that the arrested suspects are presently undergoing investigations but will soon be charged to court upon completion of investigation.
The PPRO assured that sweep operations and intelligence-led patrols would continue across the axis to apprehend other fleeing suspects and ensure sustained peace, security, and public safety for residents and communities.
In the release e-signed by DSP Babaseyi, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo strongly condemned unlawful assembly, breach of peace, and all cult-related criminal activities in Ogun State.
CP Ogunlowo called on youths in the state to renounce cultism and criminal associations.
He also assured residents in the state, students, parents, and stakeholders that the Ogun State Police Command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property.
Members of the public are however encouraged to report any suspicious activities or security concerns through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (General Complaints Line – Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency Numbers: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.
