At least 116 suspected cultists were reportedly arrested by the operatives of the Ogun State Police Command in the Ifo area of the state on Saturday.
According to Tribune, the suspected cultists comprising 70 males and 46 females were arrested based on an intelligence report that some people gathered at a particular hotel in Ibogun area of the state for initiation and anniversary ceremonies.
The suspects were said to have been arrested at about 1:42 a.m on the said day by the Anti-Cultism Squad of the Command.
Items recovered from them include; four axes, seven cutlasses, anniversary invitation cards, banners, axes, illicit drugs, and cannabis.
The statement said, “Today 26/08/23 at about 0105hrs, based on intelligence received on the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Neo Black Movement, a.k.a Aye Confraternity, Ifo Forum, the Commissioner of Police directed the Tactical Unit and men from Ota Area Command to the scene.
“Surveillance was mounted and over 300 cult members were sighted. These included female invitees gathered for the celebration to mark Aye Day in Ogun State.
“On sighting the team of policemen who had already cordoned off the scene, they fled in different directions and 116 suspects were arrested, including 70 males and 46 females.
“Exhibits recovered from the scene during operation include four axes, representing the symbol of their confraternity, weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, cultist anniversary banner among other recoveries.”
The suspects were said to have been taken to the Eleweran Police command headquarters and are currently undergoing interrogation.
The state Police Commissioner, Mr Abiodun Alamutu admonished that cultists and other criminal elements should stay clear of the state.
He said the police command under him will not tolerate any criminality in whatever guise, adding that all formations in the state have the mandate to comb all dark spots to rid the state of criminals.
