The Oyo State Police Command on Wednesday arrested 16 students, 14 males and two females, over alleged cultism at The Polytechnic Ibadan.
Investigations revealed that some of the suspects had been on the Command’s watchlist for alleged involvement in a series of murder cases and cult-related activities within the state.
The suspects, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, include “Olusoji Pelumi a.k.a Lumi; Fatoki Sunday a.k.a Cwise (Chief Carrier); Gbenga Opatunbi a.k.a Opa (Chief Aza); Olami Lekan Lateef Micheal (Finance); Olaniyi Oyedeji and Olaoluwa Sunday.”
Others were “Okedokun Olayemi; Sulaiman Oyewole; Moshood Abdullahi; Faruk Olosogunro; Oyegbori Ibrahim; Bello Olalekan; Amusan Emmanuel; Babatunde Abeeb; Mustapha Omotola Kafilat ‘F’ and Balogun Roqibat ‘F’.”
Items recovered from the suspects include two locally made cut-to-size guns, two English pistols, 16 live cartridges, four axes, and assorted charms.
Ayanlade said, “The Oyo State Police command wishes to inform the general public that, 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 state Commissioner of Police 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 16 suspects comprising 14 males and two females were arrested at and around the venue.
“Preliminary investigation reveals 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.
“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.”
The Commissioner of Police reiterated the Command’s commitment to tackling cultism and other violent crimes, urging residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.
