Osun police arrest eight suspected cultists, political thugs
Osun Police Arrest Eight Suspected Cultists and Political Thugs
The Osun State Police Command has reported the arrest of eight individuals suspected of involvement in cultism and political violence during two separate operations conducted in Ilesa and Osogbo.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the arrests were part of an initiative to reduce criminal activities throughout the state. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, noted that the arrests followed intelligence reports received by the Anti-Cultism Unit.
The first incident occurred on June 17, 2026, around 6 p.m. after police were alerted to a suspected cultist allegedly intimidating residents of the Iloro community in Ilesa. Officers from the Anti-Cultism Unit promptly responded and apprehended a 30-year-old man identified as Abiola Osobu Michael, also known as “Small.” During interrogation, he reportedly admitted to being a member of the Eiye confraternity. Authorities recovered various items from the scene, including an axe, a live cartridge, and several caps bearing the cult’s logo.
Subsequently, on June 19, 2026, at approximately 1 a.m., additional agents acted on information regarding suspected cultists disrupting the peace in the Sasa area of Osogbo. In this operation, seven more individuals were arrested. They include Afolabi Samson, 29; Ojute Imoleayo, 28; Jimoh Olayinka, 48; Oluwasesin Niyi, 40; Robin Akeem, 19; Robin Selim, 19; and Nurudeen Kafayat, a 39-year-old female.
The police stated that efforts are underway to capture additional suspects who managed to evade arrest, and all detained individuals will face prosecution once investigations are concluded.
CP Gotan urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and advised young people to reject cultism in favor of constructive activities.
