The Ogun Police Command has arrested 14 suspects over alleged unlawful assembly and conspiracy to breach public peace across the Isara, Ipara, and Ode axis.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Those arrested include Solomon Shobamiwo, also known as “Solo Hot,” Farooq Ogunsola, Toheeb Abolade, Balogun Williams, and Ayodele Abdulkareem.
Others are Adedapo Ogunsanya, Toheeb Saka, Akpan Dara, Micheal Olakemi, Habeeb Olayinka, Dapo Adeola, Adetunji Adeyemi, Henry Kingsley, and Nanso Blessing.
Mr Babaseyi said the arrests followed intelligence that members of the Eiye confraternity gathered in a bush at Ipara-Remo to initiate new members.
“Acting swiftly, a joint team from the anti-cultism unit and SWAT conducted a coordinated sweep operation,” he said.
He added that the operation was carried out at 1:20 a.m. on Friday, with support from Ipara and Isara police divisions.
“The operation led to the recovery of three locally made pistols, 11 live cartridges, and four rounds of 9mm ammunition,” Mr Babaseyi said.
He said other items recovered included charms, confraternity caps, a drum, 19 mobile phones, a mini laptop, and nine vehicles.
According to him, 13 male and one female suspects were arrested during the operation.
Mr Babaseyi said investigations were ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion.
He added that intelligence-led patrols had been intensified across the area to apprehend fleeing suspects and ensure sustained peace.
The commissioner of police, Lanre Ogunlowo, condemned the unlawful assembly and cult-related activities.
Mr Ogunlowo urged youths to renounce cultism and assured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
He also encouraged the public to report suspicious activities through the command’s emergency lines.
(NAN)