Police arrest two cultists with firearm at Ibadan poly

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspected cultists and the recovery of a firearm on the premises of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, following a swift operation triggered by a tip-off.

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Alayande Olayinka.

The PPRO detailed that the suspects were apprehended while allegedly planning to attack a rival group on campus.

The duo has been identified as Lawal Opeyemi (31), also known as “Aiki,” and Olaniyan Opeyemi (29), known as “Bojan.” Both are residents of the Apete area of Ibadan.

According to the police, the operation was launched after a “Good Samaritan” from the institution reported that a group of young men suspected to be cultists were roaming the campus with violent intent.

“Following credible intelligence which was promptly reported to the Police by a Good Samaritan from the institution… a team of Police Operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer, Sango Division, swiftly mobilised to the institution,” the statement read.

The rapid response led to the arrest of the two suspects at the scene. A subsequent search uncovered a small arsenal of items.

“A search conducted on them led to the recovery of one locally made double-barrelled pistol, two live cartridges, and a black bag containing charms,” the police spokesman added.

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During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in cult activities and have been cooperating with investigators. Preliminary investigations suggest they are responsible for a series of past cult-related clashes within the institution.

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“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects have allegedly been responsible for a series of cult-related clashes within the institution. During interrogation, they confessed to being members of the Eiye Confraternity,” the statement continued.

The police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the planned attack and to apprehend fleeing members of the gang. Following directives from the command’s leadership, the case has been transferred for specialised handling.

“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, psc(+), has directed that the suspects be handed over to the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit for discreet and thorough investigation,” the statement read.

The Commissioner commended both the public and his officers for their roles in the successful operation, reiterating that community partnership remains sacrosanct to achieving a secure society. He also urged parents and guardians to be vigilant.

“The CP urges parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards against joining secret and unhealthy groups capable of truncating their future aspirations,” the statement concluded.

The Oyo State Police Command maintained its resolute “zero-tolerance” stance against cultism and other violent crimes.