RismadarVoice Reporters
October 13, 2026
The Osun State Police Command has arrested six suspected cult members during intelligence-led operations targeting suspected criminal hideouts in Osogbo, the state capital.
The suspects, believed by police to be members of the Eiye Confraternity, were arrested following investigations into the activities of a gang allegedly threatening residents around Mackay Junction and neighbouring communities.
The command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed the arrests in a statement on Tuesday, saying operatives recovered suspected criminal charms, illicit drugs and cash believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The suspects were identified as Ajibade Lateef, 21; Olaniyi Kabiru, 27; Ifaleke Ifedeji, 18; Tajudeen Wasiu, 35; Abideen Babatunde, 35; and Opeyemi Lukman, 18.
According to the police, the arrests followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan Zungura, to strengthen intelligence gathering and intensify operations against cultism and other criminal activities across the state.
Ojelabi said preliminary investigations suggested that the suspects were connected to a group accused of intimidating residents and engaging in unlawful activities around Mackay Junction.
The command, however, did not disclose whether formal charges had been filed against the suspects.
Zungura urged parents, guardians, traditional rulers, landlords and community leaders to support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities to the police.
He also cautioned young people against involvement in cult groups, drug-related offences and other criminal activities, warning that such associations could expose them to serious legal consequences.
The commissioner assured residents that security operations would continue in identified criminal hideouts and other locations where suspected unlawful activities had been reported.
The arrests followed earlier incidents of suspected cult-related violence in Osogbo, including clashes that reportedly claimed two lives.
Police had previously confirmed that two people were killed following an attack by unidentified assailants at a lounge in Owoeba, along the Osogbo–Ilesa Road.
Although the incidents have raised concerns about security in the state capital, the police have not established any direct connection between the earlier killings and the six suspects arrested in the latest operation.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to cooperate with security personnel as investigations and operations against suspected criminal groups continue.
