Matilda Omonaiye/
The Ogun State Police Command has disrupted a suspected cult initiation procession in Isara-Remo, arresting 30 suspects and recovering four vehicles and other exhibits linked to the alleged illegal gathering.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in collaboration with detectives from the Isara Area Command and Isara Division, followed intelligence reports that a group of suspected cultists had assembled at an uncompleted building in the town for initiation activities.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation took place on June 16 at about 4 p.m. after security operatives received credible information about the gathering.
Police said the suspects were allegedly engaged in unlawful activities, including meetings, chanting, alcohol consumption and initiation rites when operatives stormed the location.
The tactical team reportedly dispersed the gathering and arrested 30 male suspects during the operation.
Those arrested include Muiz Olawale, Adeniji Akinwale, Ajayi Victor, Damilola Oluwasegun, Adewale Olayemi, Aminu Rahmon, Olodudu Ademola, Matthew Imoleayo, Adenle Habeb, Lekan Qudus, Olamilekan Ayanleke, Adegbasa Ezekiel, Ibukun Adeniyi, Abiodun Babatunde, Oshofolahan Michael, Salau Adedeji, Benjamin Kehinde, Magnus Elijah, Oluwadamilare Samson, Oyebowale Ojutona, Abiodun Makanjuola, Idowu Toheeb, Olamide Sunday, Malik Also, Abdullahi Damilola, Israel Ayomikun, Oyeledun Ezekiel, Adelabu Imoleayo, Ajayi Oluwasegun and Olaawun Faith.
Police also recovered four vehicles allegedly abandoned by fleeing suspects. Other items recovered at the scene included a jack knife, a local drum, a “sekere” (traditional rattle), and several bottles suspected to have been used for alcohol consumption during the gathering.
The Command said the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Abeokuta, for further investigation and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The police added that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest other suspects who escaped during the raid.
Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their swift response, professionalism and discipline, describing the operation as a testament to the Command’s intelligence-led policing strategy.
Ojajuni reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism and related criminal activities, warning that unlawful gatherings and violent crimes would not be tolerated anywhere in the state.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or gatherings to security agencies.
The police commissioner further appealed to individuals involved in cult-related activities to renounce cultism and embrace lawful pursuits, stressing that the Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Ogun State.
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