The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspected cultists and the recovery of a firearm at The Polytechnic, Ibadan following a swift operation based on a tip-off.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alayande Olayinka, said the suspects were apprehended while allegedly plotting to attack a rival group on campus.
The suspects were identified as Lawal Opeyemi (31), also known as “Aiki,” and Olaniyan Opeyemi (29), popularly called “Bojan.” Both men are residents of the Apete area of Ibadan.
According to the police, the operation was triggered after a Good Samaritan alerted authorities that some young men suspected to be cultists were seen moving around the campus with suspected violent intentions. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, a team of officers led by the Divisional Police Officer of Sango Division moved to the institution and arrested the suspects.
A search conducted on them led to 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 being members of the Eiye Confraternity and admitted involvement in cult-related activities. Preliminary findings suggest they may have been linked to previous clashes within the institution.
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The police said investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the planned attack and to track down other fleeing members of the group. The case has been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the command for further and more detailed investigation, following directives from the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna.
The Commissioner commended members of the public for providing timely information and praised the officers involved in the operation. He reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism and other violent crimes.
He also urged parents and guardians to monitor their children closely and discourage them from joining secret groups that could jeopardise their future.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safety and security across the state.
