Police arrest four suspected cultists, hitmen in Lagos
Lagos Police Arrest Four Suspected Cultists Tied to Violent Crimes
LAGOS, Nigeria — The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four individuals suspected of being cultists and contract killers in connection with a series of violent incidents in Ajanmgbadi, Ojo, and nearby communities.
The arrests were announced Tuesday through a statement on the police’s official X account. The suspects have been identified as Emmanuel Nwokolo, 35, known as “Oblo”; Ayola Israel, 39, referred to as “Essy Pawpaw”; Ebuka Nnamdi, 31; and Chinedu Okafor, 22.
The suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation at a hotel in Ajanmgbadi, located within the Ojo Local Government Area. Preliminary investigations revealed evidence linking the suspects to multiple violent crimes in the region.
Further, police reported that a video, allegedly depicting the killings of unidentified individuals in Ajanmgbadi and its surrounding areas, was found on the mobile phone of one of the suspects.
During questioning, the suspects reportedly admitted to being members of the Aiye Confraternity and acknowledged their involvement in a series of attacks that have alarmed local residents.
In a follow-up search, authorities recovered two locally made pistols, one revolver, and 13 live cartridges believed to be connected to the group’s criminal activities.
The police stated that investigations are ongoing to assess the full extent of the suspects’ operations, identify additional members of their network, and locate other accomplices who remain at large.
The suspects are expected to face charges in court once the investigation concludes.
The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives involved in the arrests and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring public safety in the state. He called on the community to stay vigilant and assist law enforcement by providing timely, credible information to support crime-fighting efforts.
