Odita Sunday 
The Ogun State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against cultism and violent crimes, following a midnight operation that led to the arrest of 14 suspected cultists in Isara, Ipara and Ode axis of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said, “The suspects were arrested in the early hours of Friday, January 24, 2026, during a coordinated raid carried out by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.”
He explained that, “The suspects were involved in unlawful assembly and conspiracy to breach public peace, as they were preparing to initiate new members of the Eiye Confraternity.”
According to him, “The operation, which took place around 1:20am in a bush location at Ipara-Remo, was based on credible intelligence reports received by the command.”
Babaseyi added, “Acting on the information, our operatives swiftly stormed the area and arrested 13 males and one female, bringing their criminal activities to an abrupt end.”
He disclosed that, “Items recovered from the suspects include three locally-made pistols, 11 live cartridges, four rounds of 9mm ammunition, criminal charms, confraternity caps and a drum used for cult initiation.”
He further stated, “We also recovered 19 mobile phones, a Samsung mini laptop and nine vehicles of various brands, some without registration numbers and others bearing unauthorised dealer plates.”
The police spokesman listed the suspects as 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 and Nanso Blessing.
Babaseyi noted, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, strongly condemns the activities of cult groups and will not tolerate any form of criminality in the state.”
He quoted the CP as saying, “Youths must shun cultism and criminal associations, as such activities only lead to destruction and loss of lives.”
The police image maker added, “The command will continue to sustain intelligence-driven operations to flush out criminals and restore lasting peace.”
He appealed to parents and community leaders, saying, “They should closely monitor their wards and discourage them from joining secret cults.”
Babaseyi disclosed that, “The suspects are currently undergoing investigation and will be charged to court after the completion of police inquiries.”
He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies, saying, “Members of the public should report suspicious movements and activities promptly.”
He provided the emergency contact lines, including the Gateway Shield toll-free number, 0800 000 9111, and other hotlines for quick response.
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