Oyo Police Disrupt Suspected Cult Meeting, Arrest Three

OYO — The Oyo State Police Command has disrupted a suspected cult gathering in Oyo town, arresting three individuals in connection with the incident.

According to the Command’s spokesman, Ayanlade Olayinka, the arrests followed proactive, intelligence-led policing that involved community-based intelligence gathering, continuous surveillance, and strategic threat analysis. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives from the Atiba Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), moved to Bode Thomas Secondary School, where about thirty individuals dressed in black had gathered for a suspected secret cult meeting.

“On sighting the police, the group fled in different directions into nearby bushes,” Olayinka said. During the operation, three suspects—Jelili Taiwo Kazeem, Toheeb Adediran, and Ayomide Taiwo—were apprehended. One of the suspects, Toheeb Adediran, a commercial motorcycle rider, reportedly conveyed some members to the scene. His motorcycle was seized for investigative purposes.

When questioned, the suspects confessed to being members of the Aiye Confraternity, stating that the gathering was to celebrate the birthday of one of their members. The others also disclosed their roles within the group, providing useful intelligence to investigators.

A search of the area led to the recovery of one motorcycle, an axe, and a black cap, believed to be linked to the group’s activities.

The suspects are cooperating with authorities and providing information to help apprehend other fleeing members of the cult. Following the conclusion of investigations, they are expected to be charged to court.

The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to proactive policing and community safety, urging residents to provide credible intelligence on suspected criminal activities.