The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 19 suspected cultists in Sagamu.
The arrest of the suspected cultists came in the wake of the cult clashes that claimed about 20 lives in the ancient town.
Police spokesperson in Ogun, Omolola Odutola, said the arrest was made on Sunday, September 24, following the Command’s tactical operation which led to the arrest of one Ogunnibi Hammed, “the kingpin of the Eiye Confraternity”.
According to a statement, Hammed has been widely known for his involvement in gruesome attacks against rival cult groups in Ogun State.
The operation was reportedly carried out by a combined effort of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, the Anti-Cultism Unit (AKU), and the Obalende Division of the police force.
According to the statement, acting on intercepted information, the operation targeted the suspected cultists causing terror in Odogbolu, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode and Ilishan.
The police listed those arrested to include Sodipo Azeez (aka Bintobo), Ilori Gbenga, Adeyemi Soneye, Ayomide Ishmael, Oboje Jeremiah, Ayoola Oladayo, Lamina Yusuf, Kolawole Rasaq, Adelaja Otusanya, Jacob Chidi, John Innocent, Oseni Toheeb, Thank God Naba, Lekan Qudus, Adelusi Omotayo, Timothy Monday, Ayangbile Victor and Jacob Sunday.
“All of these individuals have confessed to being active members of different cult groups,” the statement said.
The statement added that the State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, has ordered an immediate investigation of the individuals arrested.
“As the investigation progresses, the police will provide updates to the public regarding any relevant developments in this case.”