The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected cultists and recovered a firearm at the Polytechnic, Ibadan following credible intelligence from a concerned member of the institution.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this on Wednesday.
According to him, a team of operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of Sango Division, acted on a tip-off that a group of young men suspected to be members of a secret cult were moving around the campus with plans to attack a rival group, and swiftly mobilised to the scene.
The suspects, Lawal Opeyemi, also known as “Aiki,” 31, and Olaniyan Opeyemi, alias “Bojan,” 29, both residents of the Apete area of Ibadan, were arrested on campus, Olayinka said, adding that a search conducted on them led to the recovery of a locally made double-barrel pistol, two live cartridges, and a black bag containing charms.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects may have been involved in previous cult-related clashes within the institution.
During interrogation, they reportedly confessed to being members of the Eiye Secret Cult Confraternity and are said to be cooperating with investigators.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, has directed that the suspects be transferred to the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit for further discreet investigation, even as efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group and determine the purpose of the planned attack.
He commended the school authorities for promptly sharing credible information and praised the operatives of Sango Division for their swift and professional response.
CP Haruna reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against cultism and other violent crimes, urging parents and guardians to caution their children against joining unlawful groups capable of jeopardising their future.
For emergencies, members of the public can contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line on 615 or the Command Control Room on 08081768614 and 07055495413.
