Cult leader, 13 others arrested after clashes, kidnapping plots in Kwara
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested four suspected cultists and ten suspected kidnappers following a series of violent incidents and intelligence-led operations across the state. According to the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, the first incident occurred on January 6, 2026, when 28-year-old Victor Mathew Nwachukwu was shot dead in front of a […]
Some of the motorcycles recovered from the suspects
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested four suspected cultists and ten suspected kidnappers following a series of violent incidents and intelligence-led operations across the state.
According to the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, the first incident occurred on January 6, 2026, when 28-year-old Victor Mathew Nwachukwu was shot dead in front of a filling station in the Kulende area of Ilorin by suspected cult members.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of three suspects: Abdulrasheed Hammed (30), Abdulganeen Abdulafeez (25), and Muhammed Nuhu Wahab (22).
The CP stated that the suspects admitted to being members of the Aiye and Alora confraternities.
“Police recovered a pump-action single-barrel gun, a silver pistol with live rounds, a shotgun, cult insignia, battle axes, and assorted charms. We are currently trailing other suspects linked to this killing,” Ojo said.
In a separate confrontation on December 24, 2025, the CP said police responded to a violent clash in the Oke-Bonke, Olunlade area.
During the operation, officers intercepted one Sofiullahi Ibrahim Idowu (alias “ID”), who reportedly aimed a short gun at a police officer.
“He was overpowered and arrested. Idowu admitted to being the ‘Number One’ leader of the Eiye confraternity in Olunlade. Police recovered the firearm and a live cartridge from him,” the CP noted, adding that efforts to trace his accomplices are ongoing.
In another major breakthrough, the command said it has arrested 10 suspected kidnappers in Oro-Ago, Ifelodun LGA, on March 1, 2026.
The CP said the arrests followed intercepted communications revealing the syndicate’s plan to use motorcycles for criminal activities in the axis.
The suspects, who include a mechanic and a logistics operative for the gang, were taken into custody.
He said 10 Bajaj Boxer motorcycles, believed to be the primary tools for their kidnapping and banditry operations, were recovered.
“Investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider network and establish links to other crimes,” the CP said, confirming that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigations.