Police Disrupts Cu!t Meeting In Secondary School, Arrests Three Suspects

Police Disrupts Cult Meeting In Secondary School, Arrests Three Suspects

In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command identified the arrested suspects as Jelili Taiwo Kazeem, 20; Toheeb Adediran, 25; and Ayomide Taiwo, 23.

Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have disrupted a suspected secret cult gathering in Oyo town, leading to the arrest of three persons.

The suspects were apprehended by detectives attached to the Atiba Division at the premises of Bode Thomas Secondary School, Oyo, during what was described as an intelligence-led operation.

According to the statement, the police acted on credible intelligence regarding a convergence of about 30 individuals dressed in black at the school premises for a suspected initiation or meeting. Upon sighting the police team, the group reportedly scattered into nearby bushes, but the three suspects were caught.

One of the suspects, Toheeb Adediran, was identified as a commercial motorcycle (okada) rider who allegedly transported other members to the venue. His motorcycle was subsequently impounded for investigative purposes.

“When quizzed, the suspects confessed to being members of the Aiye Confraternity, stating that their gathering was to celebrate the birthday of one of their members. The other two suspects, who equally confessed to cult membership, have voluntarily stated their respective roles within the group,” the statement read.

Items recovered from the scene included one motorcycle, an axe, and a black cap, which the police believe are linked to the group’s activities.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, while commending the Atiba Division for their prompt response, directed that the case be transferred to the State Anti-Cultism Squad for a discreet and comprehensive investigation.

CP Haruna expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his zero-tolerance stance against cultism. He further warned that the command remains resolute in ensuring that Oyo State does not become a breeding ground for criminal gangs.

Meanwhile, the command has appealed to parents and guardians to monitor their children and wards closely, urging them to shun unlawful associations due to the grave legal and social consequences.

The police confirmed that the suspects are cooperating with investigators and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the ongoing manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang.