Osun: Police arrest six suspected cultists in hideout raids
Osun State Police Arrest Six Suspected Cultists in Osogbo
OSOGBO, Nigeria — The Osun State Police Command announced the arrest of six individuals suspected of cult activity during targeted operations in the state capital. The arrests took place on October 8, 2026, as part of an ongoing effort to combat cultism and related criminal offenses.
Police Public Relations Officer Abiodun Ojelabi, speaking on behalf of Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura, confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Wednesday. The suspects, aged between 18 and 32, have been identified as Atilola Idris, 22; Shobowale Abeeb, 31; Jimoh Nasiru, 32; Tajudeen Jamiu, 26; Okanlawon Tajudeen, 27; and Abolubode Toheeb, 18.
The police targeted specific locations in Osogbo identified as vulnerable to criminal activity. The operations were conducted by the Osogbo Area Command as part of a broader strategy to diminish cult-related activities in the region.
DSP Ojelabi indicated that the actions were the result of intelligence that identified potential hideouts for criminal organizations. One of the arrested individuals, Tajudeen Okanlawon, reportedly admitted to joining the Aye confraternity cult group in 2023, claiming initiation by an individual known as the late Lekan Lexy. The statement notes that Lexy was allegedly killed by members of a rival cult group in the lead-up to the recent Osun State governorship election.
The six individuals have been charged and are currently undergoing judicial proceedings. The police confirmed that investigations will continue, alongside further operations aimed at identifying and apprehending additional suspects involved in cultism and other criminal activities across Osun State. The command emphasized its commitment to enhancing intelligence gathering and operational tactics in its fight against cultism and drug-related offenses.
