By The Oyo State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a robbery gang linked to a secret cult group and recovered a locally made pistol during an intelligence-led raid carried out in the early hours of June 10, 2026.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, on Friday, June 12.
According to the statement, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit acted on credible intelligence indicating that members of a notorious criminal syndicate, known for terrorising residents across parts of Ibadan, had converged at a hideout in the Soka area of the city.
The police said further intelligence revealed that the suspects were planning another criminal operation within the community.
Acting swiftly on the information, the operatives stormed the hideout and arrested four suspects identified as Salawu Sarafa, alias Folori; Yusuf Tajudeen, alias Blacky; Farouq Ariyo; and Adebayo Awosemo, alias Naira.
A locally made pistol was recovered during a search of the suspects.
“During preliminary interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of the Eiye Supremo Confraternity and admitted their involvement in a series of violent criminal activities within the Ibadan metropolis and its environs.
“The Command has commenced discreet and intensive efforts aimed at apprehending the fleeing suspect and dismantling the criminal network. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the gang’s activities and identify other accomplices,” the statement said.
The Command assured residents that all suspects found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid crime-fighting efforts.
Two Suspects Arrested with 250 Live Cartridges
In a separate operation, the Command also arrested two suspects, identified as Ganiyu Sodi, 35, and Salaudeen Sheriff, 23, as part of its ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition across the state.
According to the police, a total of 250 live cartridges were recovered from the suspects.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are believed to be involved in the illegal trafficking and supply of ammunition to criminal elements operating within and outside Oyo State.
The Command said investigations are ongoing to uncover the wider network behind the illicit arms trade and bring all those involved to justice.
