The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended a 24-year-old suspected cultist, Sulaiman Laja, believed to be a notorious member of the Aiye Confraternity, during a targeted operation in Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, described the development as “a significant breakthrough” in the fight against cult-related crimes across the state.
According to Odutola, police operatives trailed the suspect to his hideout after he was spotted in disguise. A subsequent search of the location led to the recovery of “a serviceable single-barrel gun strongly suspected to have been used for criminal activities within the community.”
She added that Laja confessed to being an active member of the Aiye cult group and has already provided information that may lead to the arrest of other fleeing gang members. “A manhunt has since commenced to ensure their swift arrest,” she said.
The command noted that the suspect and the recovered exhibit would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.
Commending the Divisional Police Officer of Igbesa Division, Odutola stated: “The DPO has been lauded for the successful arrest of a confessed and notorious Aiye cultist who has been terrorising residents of Igbesa and its environs.”
The command reassured the public of its sustained efforts to clamp down on cult groups and other criminal elements, stressing its commitment to maintaining peace and public confidence in Ogun State.
In a related development, the Rivers State Police Command recently arrested 10 suspected cultists linked to prolonged supremacy clashes between the ‘Blood Suckers’ and ‘D12’ factions of the Deygbam cult group in Port Harcourt’s Diobu axis.
