Police arrest four suspected robbers, cultists in Ibadan raid

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested four suspected armed robbers and cult members during a raid on a hideout in the Soka area of Ibadan, thwarting what authorities described as a planned criminal operation.

The suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Wednesday during an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit in the Oluyole Local Government Area of the state.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, officers acted on credible intelligence indicating that members of a suspected criminal gang had gathered at the location to plan a series of robberies within the Ibadan metropolis.

A search conducted at the hideout led to the recovery of a locally made pistol and ammunition, police said.

The suspects were identified as Salawu Sarafa, popularly known as “Folori”; Yusuf Tajudeen, also known as “Blacky”; Farouq Ariyo; and Adebayo Awosemo, popularly called “Naira.”

Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in a number of robbery incidents, house break-ins and other violent crimes in parts of Ibadan.

The command further disclosed that the suspects admitted to being members of the Eiye confraternity, a cult group that has been linked to several violent clashes and criminal activities in the state.

DSP Ayanlade said investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate who may still be at large.

“The Command has intensified efforts to track down fleeing accomplices and dismantle the entire criminal network,” he said. “Investigations are being expanded to determine the full scope of the gang’s activities and identify other collaborators.”

The police assured residents of their commitment to tackling armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes across the state. Authorities also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to security agencies.

The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.