Police arrest cultists, recover firearm at Ibadan Polytechnic

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected cultists and recovered a firearm at The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

The duo of Lawal Opeyemi a.k.a “Aiki” ‘m’, aged 31 years, and Olaniyan Opeyemi a.k.a “Bojan” ‘m’, aged 29 years, both of Apete area, Ibadan, were arrested, leading to the recovery of one locally made double-barrelled pistol, two live cartridges, and a black bag containing charms.

A statement by Ayanlade Olayinka, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) stated, “following a credible intelligence which was promptly reported to the Police by a good Samaritan from the institution, that a group of young men suspected to be members of a secret cult were roaming within the campus with intent to unleash violence on a rival group, a team of Police Operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer, Sango Division, swiftly mobilized to the institution.”

He stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had allegedly been responsible for a series of cult-related clashes within the institution.

“During interrogation, they confessed to being members of the Eiye Secret Cult Confraternity and have been cooperating with investigators. Investigation is ongoing to determine the purpose of the sinister gathering, apprehend other fleeing members of the gang, and ensure that upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects are charged to court”, he said.

Femi Haruna, Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, has therefore directed that the suspects be handed over to the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit for discreet and thorough investigation.

The CP commended the school authority for the timely sharing of credible information, reiterating that community partnership remains sacrosanct to achieving a safer and more secure society. He also applauded the operatives of Sango Division for their swift response and professionalism which led to this operational success.

Furthermore, the CP urges parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards against joining secret and unhealthy groups capable of truncating their future aspirations.

The Oyo State Police Command remains resolute in its zero-tolerance stance against cultism and other violent crimes.