Oyo Police arrest 16 suspected cultists at Ibadan Polytechnic

…Recover locally made guns, pistols, assorted charms

The operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have arrested sixteen suspected cultists within the premises of The Polytechnic, Ibadan comprising 14 males and two females.

Ayanlade Olayinka, deputy superintendent of Police and Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in a statement said “following credible intelligence indicating that members of the notorious Aiye Confraternity were planning a critical meeting within the premises of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, a coordinated operation was carried out to forestall any potential breach of peace.

“Consequent upon obtaining necessary approval from the school authorities, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, personally led a team of operatives to the identified location of the meeting, which was their alleged temple slated for gathering within the institution. The operation was executed with precision and professionalism.

“During the course of the operation, a total of sixteen (16) suspects comprising fourteen (14) males and two (2) females were arrested at and around the venue.”

Ayanlade said preliminary investigation revealed that some of the suspects had been on the Command’s watchlist for their alleged involvement in a series of murder cases and cult-related activities within the State.

Items recovered from the suspects include: Two (2) locally made cut-to-size guns, Two (2) English pistols; sixteen (16) live cartridges, four (4) axes, and assorted charms.

The Command wishes to assure members of the public that investigation is ongoing to unravel the full extent of the suspects’ activities and to apprehend other fleeing accomplices.

Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to rid the State of cultism and other violent crimes. He further urges residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and useful information to the Police.

Meanwhile, Oyo State Police Command has restored calm in the Moniya area of Ibadan following a violent incident that led to the death of a motorcyclist and the burning of a police outpost.

Ayanlade said the situation occurred on April 24, 2026, at about 11:00 a.m., when two officers attached to the Kara Police outpost allegedly conducted an unauthorised stop-and-search operation within their jurisdiction.

The officers reportedly intercepted a 35-year-old motorcyclist, Sanni Salisu, during the exercise adding that while the interaction was ongoing, the rider suddenly developed what appeared to be an epileptic seizure, slumped on his motorcycle, and became unresponsive.

In a swift response, the officers immediately rushed him to Modupe Hospital in Akinyele, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.

The Police Command noted that the development triggered tension in the area, which escalated into an attack on the Kara Police Outpost by some aggrieved individuals who set parts of the facility ablaze.

During the incident, three motorcycles and a Mazda pick-up patrol vehicle were destroyed by fire, while one officer sustained severe burns.

The Command said reinforcements were promptly deployed to the scene, leading to the restoration of law and order in the area. The remains of the deceased were subsequently evacuated to the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

In a decisive response, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, ordered the immediate arrest of the officers involved in the stop-and-search operation.

The officers have since been taken into custody pending further investigation.

The Commissioner has also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a comprehensive and discreet investigation into the incident, including an autopsy, to ensure that all necessary facts are established.

The Command cautioned against the spread of unverified information on social media, warning that misinformation could undermine public peace and distort ongoing investigations.

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to accountability, CP Olugbenga assured that any officer found culpable would be sanctioned in line with extant laws and police regulations.

He appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with the police, stressing that justice would be served while due process is strictly followed.