The Osun State Police Command has arrested three suspected cult members and political thugs during separate operations across the state, recovering firearms, ammunition, charms and other dangerous weapons.
The arrests were disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.
According to the police, the suspects identified as Adekola Olayinka Abdulazeez, 27, Omolara Ezekiel, 28, and Babatunde Azeez, 32, were apprehended following intelligence-led operations by security personnel.
Recovered items included three Beretta pistols, a locally modified cut-to-size gun, live ammunition, cartridges, cutlasses, axes and assorted charms.
Providing details of the operation, the police spokesperson said one of the suspects was first intercepted during a routine patrol in Ikirun.
“On May 22, police officers attached to the Ikirun Area Command stopped and searched a suspect riding an unregistered motorcycle. During the search, two Beretta pistols, an axe and charms were recovered from him,” Ojelabi stated.
He explained that the case was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Eiye confraternity and revealed that he was on his way to deliver the weapons to another member before he was arrested,” he added.
The police said further investigations led operatives to two additional suspects, resulting in the recovery of more weapons and ammunition.
“Follow-up intelligence operations led to the arrest of two other suspects. A search conducted at their residences produced a cut-to-size gun, another Beretta pistol with live ammunition, four cutlasses, two axes and two live cartridges,” the statement said.
The command noted that investigations were ongoing and that efforts were being intensified to arrest other suspected members linked to the group.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan warned individuals involved in cultism, political violence and other criminal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law.
“The command remains committed to working with relevant stakeholders to rid the state of criminal elements and maintain peace and security across Osun State,” the commissioner said.
Police authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information that could aid ongoing efforts to combat crime in the state.
