Osun Police Intensify Crackdown On Cultism, Arrest Six Suspects In Osogbo

The Osun State Police Command has intensified its campaign against cultism and other criminal activities with the arrest of six suspected cultists during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts in Osogbo.

The operation, which targeted identified black spots across the state capital, was conducted as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and prevent criminal activities, the command said on Tuesday.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the command said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura.

The six suspects were named as Ajibade Lateef, 21; Olaniyi Kabiru, 27; Ifaleke Ifedeji, 18; Tajudeen Wasiu, 35; Abideen Babatunde, 35; and Opeyemi Lukman, 18.

The police said preliminary investigations linked the suspects allegedly to the Eiye Confraternity and raised suspicions of their involvement in a criminal gang accused of terrorising people around Mackay Junction, Osogbo.

According to the statement, suspected criminal charms, illicit drugs and cash believed to be connected to illegal drug activities were recovered during the raids.

The command confirmed that the suspects had been charged to court, while efforts were continuing to apprehend other persons suspected of involvement in cultism, drug-related offences and associated criminal activities.

The Commissioner of Police reiterated the command’s determination to prevent criminal elements from using Osun State as a base for their activities.

He warned suspected cultists, drug peddlers and other offenders to abandon criminal conduct, noting that the police would continue to enforce the law.

The command urged parents and guardians to monitor their children and wards, while community leaders, landlords and residents were encouraged to promptly report suspicious activities to the police.

It also appealed to youths to reject cultism and illicit drugs, emphasising the dangers and long-term consequences of criminal involvement.

The police said raids on identified criminal hideouts would continue across Osogbo and other parts of Osun State as part of a sustained security operation.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and called for greater public cooperation in the fight against crime.