Police Arrest four suspected cultists in Kwara
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested four suspected cultists, including an alleged leader of the outlawed Eiye Confraternity, during a coordinated operation in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area.
The arrests were carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) following intelligence reports on the activities of suspected cult members and violent criminals operating within the community.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation was conducted on June 11, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to curb cultism and other violent crimes across the state.
She disclosed that one of the suspects, identified as Idowu Akorede of Ijagbo, was arrested at a hideout and is believed to be the Capon, or leader, of the banned Eiye Confraternity in the area. Three other suspected members of the group were subsequently apprehended during follow-up operations.
The police spokesperson said preliminary investigations linked the suspects to cult-related activities, robbery and other violent crimes allegedly committed within the community.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are members of a criminal gang allegedly involved in cult-related activities, robbery, and other violent crimes,” she said.
She added that the group had been connected to incidents in which residents were reportedly attacked and robbed of their valuables in broad daylight, creating fear among members of the public.
SP Ejire-Adeyemi further revealed that the suspects allegedly attempted to resist arrest by attacking officers with broken bottles when they sighted the operatives.
“Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects reportedly resisted arrest and launched an attack on the officers with broken bottles in a bid to evade capture. The operatives, however, exercised restraint, professionalism, and tactical superiority in subduing the suspects and taking them into custody without injury,” she stated.
The suspects have been transferred to Ilorin and are currently in police custody while investigations continue. The command said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the criminal network.
Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, praised their courage and professionalism.
He also reassured residents of the command’s commitment to tackling all forms of criminality and ensuring the protection of lives and property across the state.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies to support the fight against crime.
