14 male and female Suspected cult members arrested during initiation, guns other weapons recovered
14 male and female Suspected cult members arrested during initiation, guns other weapons recovered
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 14 individuals in a coordinated security operation targeting suspected cult-related activities in parts of Remo.
The arrests were carried out in the communities of Ipara, Ode and Isara-Remo, where the suspects were taken into custody for alleged unlawful gathering and a planned cult initiation.
According to the police, the operation was conducted covertly, leading to the recovery of several items believed to be linked to criminal activity.
These included three locally fabricated pistols, 11 cartridges, four rounds of 9mm Beretta ammunition, confraternity caps, a drum allegedly used for cult initiation rites, 19 mobile phones, charms and nine vehicles of different brands.
The command also revealed that some of the seized vehicles had no registration numbers, while others were bearing unauthorised dealer plates.
Confirming the development, the state police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on cultism and other forms of criminality across the state.
He added that investigations were ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of inquiries.
Babaseyi explained, “On January 24, 2026, at about 1:20am, 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 conspire to breach the peace through unlawful assembly.
“Acting swiftly, a joint team of operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit and the Special Weapons and Tactics unit, supported by personnel from the Ipara and Isara divisions, conducted a coordinated sweep operation, arresting 14 suspects, comprising 13 males and one female.
“Those apprehended are Solomon Shobamiwo, also known as ‘Solo Hot’; Farooq Ogunsola; Toheeb Abolade; Balogun Williams; Ayodele Abdulkareem; Adedapo Ogunsanya; Toheeb Saka; Akpan Dara; Micheal Olakemi; Habeeb Olayinka; Dapo Adeola; Adetunji Adeyemi; Henry Kingsley, all males, and Nanso Blessing (female).
“The suspects are undergoing investigation and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
“Ongoing sweep operations and intelligence-led patrols continue across the axis to apprehend other fleeing suspects and ensure sustained peace, security and public safety for residents and communities.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, condemned the unlawful gathering, disturbance of public peace and all forms of cult-related criminal activities in the state.
He urged young people to abandon cultism and other criminal affiliations, while reassuring residents, students, parents and key stakeholders of the command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.
The police also appealed to members of the public to report any suspicious movements or security threats via the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (toll-free general complaints line) on 0800 000 9111, and the emergency numbers 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369 and 0708 497 2994.
