By The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected cultists and recovered a firearm and local charms at The Polytechnic Ibadan.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence provided by a member of the institution, who alerted authorities that a group of young men suspected to be cult members were roaming the campus with plans to attack a rival group.
The police said a team of operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer, Sango Division, swiftly mobilised to the school, where two suspects:Lawal Opeyemi, also known as “Aiki,” 31, and Olaniyan Opeyemi, also known as “Bojan,” 29, were arrested.
The suspects, both residents of the Apete area of Ibadan, were searched, leading to the recovery of a locally made double-barrel pistol, two live cartridges and a black bag containing charms.
Preliminary investigations, according to the Command, indicate that the suspects may have been involved in previous cult-related clashes within the institution. During interrogation, they reportedly confessed to being members of the Eiye Secret Cult Confraternity and are said to be cooperating with investigators.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna, has directed that the suspects be handed over to the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit for further investigation.
He commended the school authorities for providing timely information and praised the operatives of the Sango Division for their swift response and professionalism.
The police added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and ensure those arrested are charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
