Police nab two cultists with firearm at Ibadan poly

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected cultists and recovered a firearm on the campus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, following a tip-off from a vigilant source.

The suspects, identified as 31-year-old Lawal Opeyemi, aka “Aiki,” and 29-year-old Olaniyan Opeyemi, aka “Bojan,” both residents of Ibadan’s Apete area, were apprehended while allegedly planning an attack on a rival cult group.

According to DSP Alayande Olayinka, the Police Public Relations Officer, a “Good Samaritan” alerted authorities to a group of young men roaming the campus with violent intent. A rapid response by operatives from the Sango Division led to the arrest of the duo and the recovery of a locally made double-barrelled pistol, two live cartridges, and a black bag containing charms.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in cult activities and identified themselves as members of the Eiye Confraternity. Preliminary investigations indicate they may have been responsible for previous cult-related clashes within the institution.

Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, directed that the suspects be handed over to the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit for thorough investigation. He commended both the public and officers for their swift response and urged parents to caution their children against joining secret cult groups.

The police reaffirmed their “zero-tolerance” stance on cultism and violent crimes, emphasizing that community partnership is key to ensuring a safe environment.