The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspected cultists and the recovery of a firearm on the premises of The Polytechnic Ibadan following a swift operation triggered by a tip-off.
DSP Alayande Olayinka, Police Public Relations Officer for the state command, disclosed on Wednesday that the suspects were apprehended while allegedly planning to a rival group on campus. The suspects have been identified as Lawal Opeyemi, 31, also known as Aiki, and Olaniyan Opeyemi, 29, known as Bojan, both residents of the Apete area of Ibadan.
According to the police, a Good Samaritan from the institution reported a group of young men suspected to be cultists roaming the campus with violent intent. Acting on credible intelligence, a team of police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of Sango Division swiftly mobilised and arrested the duo.
A subsequent search uncovered a locally made double-barrelled pistol, two live cartridges, and a black bag containing charms. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of the Eiye Confraternity and reportedly admitted involvement in a series of past cult-related clashes within the institution.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, has directed that the suspects be handed over to the command’s Anti-Cultism Unit for thorough investigation. He commended the public and officers for their roles in the operation and urged parents to guide their children against joining secret and unhealthy groups that could jeopardise their futures.
The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against cultism and other violent crimes, emphasising that community partnership is essential to maintaining a secure society.
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