Police in Osun State have arrested eight suspected cultists and political thugs in coordinated raids across Ilesa and Osogbo. The Anti-Cultism Unit conducted the operations based on intelligence gathered from residents.
The first suspect was nabbed on June 17, 2026, around 6pm in Iloro community, Ilesa. Abiola Osobu Michael, 30, also called "Small," was taken into custody after complaints that he'd been terrorizing locals.
During interrogation, Michael confessed to membership in the Eiye confraternity, police revealed. Officers recovered an axe, one live cartridge, and seven caps—including one bearing the cult's insignia—from his possession.
Three days later, operatives moved on the Sasa area of Osogbo around 1am. Intelligence had indicated that suspected cultists were harassing residents in that neighborhood.
The raid netted seven more suspects in the early morning operation. They were identified as Afolabi Samson (29), Ojute Imoleayo (28), Jimoh Olayinka (48), Oluwasesin Niyi (40), Robin Akeem (19), Robin Selim (19), and Nurudeen Kafayat (39).
Some suspects managed to escape during the operation, according to police. Investigators are still pursuing those who fled the scene.
DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Police Public Relations Officer, announced the arrests on behalf of CP Ibrahim Gotan. He noted that all suspects would face prosecution once investigations conclude.
"Effort is ongoing to arrest the other fleeing suspect(s) for prosecution," the statement read. "Suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation."
CP Gotan called on parents and guardians to monitor their children closely. He urged young people to abandon cultism and pursue legitimate activities instead.
The command stressed its commitment to eliminating criminal activities throughout the state. The arrests, officials said, demonstrate progress in protecting residents from cult violence and thuggery.
