Police arrest 116 cultists

The Ogun State Police Command has revealed the arrest of 116 cult members in Ifo, Ogun State at the weekend. The Police said that the suspected cultists were apprehended at a location where they were celebrating the 20th anniversary of Neo Black Movement, a.k.a Aye Confraternity, Ifo Forum.

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The Police identified the  arrested 116 cultists include 70 males and 46 females.

The State Command in a statement, highlighted: “Today 26/08/23 at about 01: 05hrs, based on intelligence received on the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Neo Black Movement, a.k.a Aye Confraternity, Ifo Forum, the Commissioner of Police directed the Tactical Unit and men from Ota Area Command to the scene.

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However, the names of the suspects were not disclosed by the police, though the command said investigation was ongoing.

“Surveillance was mounted and over 300 cult members were sighted. These included female invitees gathered for the celebration to mark Aye Day in Ogun State.

“On sighting the team of policemen who had already cordoned off the scene, they fled in different directions and 116 suspects were arrested, including 70 males and 46 females.”

The statement further disclosed that several items were recovered from the cultists at the scene.

According to the Police, “Exhibits recovered from the scene during the operation include four axes, representing the symbol of their confraternity, weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, and cultist anniversary banner among other recoveries.”

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The State Police Commissioner, Abiodun Alamutu, at the Eleweran Police Command headquarters, where the arrested cultists are undergoing interrogation, warned that cultists and other criminal elements should stay clear of the state.

The CP maintained that the state command under his leadership will not tolerate any criminality in whatever guise.

He mandated all police formations in Ogun State to comb all dark spots to rid the state of criminals.