Alleged cult leader, 3 members arrested in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested four suspected cultists, including an alleged leader of the Eiye confraternity, during an operation targeting criminal networks in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of the state. The suspects were apprehended during a coordinated raid by operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) following intelligence reports linking […]

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested four suspected cultists, including an alleged leader of the Eiye confraternity, during an operation targeting criminal networks in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were apprehended during a coordinated raid by operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) following intelligence reports linking them to cult activities and other violent crimes within the community.
Among those arrested was Idowu Akorede, whom investigators identified as the alleged Capone (leader) of the outlawed Eiye confraternity in the area.
The operation, carried out on June 11, led officers to several identified hideouts where the suspects were tracked and arrested.
Police alleged that the group was involved in cult-related activities, robbery and other criminal acts that have contributed to insecurity in parts of Ijagbo and neighbouring communities.
The suspects have also been linked to incidents in which residents were allegedly attacked and dispossessed of their belongings in broad daylight.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the suspects attempted to resist arrest when operatives moved in on them.
“They attacked officers with broken bottles in an effort to escape but were eventually subdued and taken into custody.
“No injuries were recorded during the operation as officers exercised restraint while carrying out the arrests. The four suspects have since been transferred to Ilorin for further investigation,” she said.
She added that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, commended the operatives for their professionalism and courage.
“The command remains committed to tackling cultism and other violent crimes across the state. Intelligence-driven operations will continue in affected communities,” she said, quoting the commissioner.
He urged residents to provide timely information that could assist ongoing efforts to combat crime and improve public safety.