The Osun State Police Command has arrested several suspects linked to robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, cult activities, and an attempted ritual killing in different parts of the state.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Monday, the first arrest occurred on July 26 around 3:30 pm along Oke-Baale expressway, Osogbo.
The Anti-Cultism Unit apprehended 26-year-old Quadri Akanji after he robbed a man of his iPhone 11.
It was stated that the stolen iPhone and the motorcycle used in the robbery were recovered immediately.
Ojelabi said, “Suspect confessed that they normally come from Ibadan and robbed in Osogbo.”
On July 30, two suspected cult members, Michael Temiloluwa and Odunayo Joshua, both aged 22, were arrested at Osun State Polytechnic junction, Iree town.
“Suspects confessed to be members of Eiye confraternity operating at Osun State Polytechnic Iree,” the statement added.
In another operation on July 27 at about 10:30 pm along Sekona-Gbongan Road, Ede, operatives of the Osun Police Command intercepted an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle ridden by 25-year-old Asimi Waliu.
A locally made pistol with live cartridges and a jack knife were recovered.
The spokesperson said further search led to the arrest of Olabisi Tunde at his residence in Ifon, where a single-barrel gun and additional ammunition were found.
Ojelabi also reported the arrest of two men, Olaniyi Quadri aged 25-year-old, and Garba Ibrahim aged 48-year-old on July 26 for stealing a Max motorcycle from a mosque.
“The said Max motorcycle was recovered as exhibit from him. Suspects confessed to the crime,” the statement said.
The spokesperson continued that on July 26, police responded to an attempted ritual killing in Ikire.
It was said that three boys reportedly lured 16-year-old Faruq Abudu into a bush and inflicted a grave injury by cutting his abdomen to remove vital organs.
Ojelabi stated that “the victim was rescued to hospital for medical attention and later referred to University College Hospital.”
He said eight suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, including Ismail Abiodun and Usman Ademola, both aged 22.
“All suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation,” the command said.
Ojelabi confirmed to newsmen that investigations are ongoing in all cases, and suspects will be charged to court upon completion.