In response to the recent cult clashes that claimed eight lives in the Sagamu area of Ogun State, the police have arrested 19 individuals suspected of being members of various cult groups. The arrests were made through the collaborative efforts of various police formations in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Omolola Odutola, announced these arrests in a statement. Among the apprehended suspects was Ogunnibi Hammed, alleged to be a kingpin of the Eiye Confraternity, responsible for orchestrating attacks against rival cult groups in the state.
The operation involved the Special Weapons and Tactics team, the Anti-Cultism Unit, and the Obalende Division of the Police Force. It targeted suspected cultists who had been terrorizing various areas, including Odogbolu, Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, and Ilishan.
The individuals arrested and their alleged affiliations with different cult groups include:
- Sodipo Azeez, also known as Bintobo
- Ilori Gbenga
- Lamina Yusuf
- Kolawole Rasaq
- Adelaja Otusanya
- Adeyemi Soneye
- Oseni Toheeb
- Thank God Naba
- Lekan Qudus
- Adelusi Omotayo
- Timothy Monday
- Ayomide Ishmael
- Oboje Jeremiah
- Ayoola Oladayo
- Jacob Chidi
- John Innocent
- Ayangbile Victor
- Jacob Sunday
All of these individuals have reportedly confessed to being active members of different cult groups.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Abiodun Alamutu, has ordered an immediate investigation into the arrests. Further updates on the case will be provided to the public as the investigation progresses.
It’s worth noting that prior to these arrests, the Ogun State Police Command, in collaboration with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, had arrested seven suspected cultists and recovered firearms, live cartridges, and criminal charms on September 19, 2023, in connection with the cult clashes in Sagamu. These clashes had resulted in the death of four individuals.
Additionally, the Department of State Security Services (DSS) arrested a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly representing Sagamu Constituency I, Hon. Damilare Mohammed, and six others suspected of cultism within the lawmaker’s legislative quarters in Abeokuta, the state capital. Mohammed was alleged to have provided shelter to the six suspected cultists, who were reportedly involved in the recent clashes among rival cult groups in Sagamu.
The arrests and ongoing investigations reflect law enforcement’s determination to address the issue of cult-related violence in Ogun State and bring those responsible to justice.