In a decisive midnight operation, the Ogun State Police Command has thwarted a suspected cult initiation exercise across the Isara, Ipara and Ode axis of the state, arresting 14 suspects and recovering firearms, ammunition, vehicles and other incriminating items.
The development was disclosed in a press statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, and made available to journalists in Abeokuta.
According to the police, the operation was carried out in the early hours of January 24, 2026, following actionable intelligence that members of the Eiye Confraternity had gathered at a bush location in Ipara Remo. The gathering was allegedly intended for the initiation of new members and other activities capable of disrupting public peace.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, a joint team comprising operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, with support from officers of the Ipara and Isara Divisions, launched a coordinated sweep of the area at about 1:20 a.m. The operation led to the arrest of 14 suspects—13 males and one female.
Those apprehended were identified as Solomon Shobamiwo (also known as Solo Hot), Farooq Ogunsola, Toheeb Abolade, Balogun Williams, Ayodele Abdulkareem, Adedapo Ogunsanya, Toheeb Saka, Akpan Dara, Micheal Olakemi, Habeeb Olayinka, Dapo Adeola, Adetunji Adeyemi, Henry Kingsley and Nanso Blessing.
A cache of items was recovered during the raid, including three locally made pistols, 11 live cartridges, four rounds of 9mm Beretta ammunition, suspected criminal charms, confraternity caps and a drum believed to be used during cult initiation rituals. Also recovered were 19 mobile phones, a Samsung mini laptop and nine vehicles of various brands. Police noted that some of the vehicles were without registration numbers, while others bore unauthorised dealer plates.
The command confirmed that the suspects are currently undergoing investigation and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the process. It added that intelligence-led patrols and sweep operations have been intensified across the affected areas to apprehend fleeing suspects and sustain peace.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, Ph.D., strongly condemned unlawful assembly, cult-related activities and any actions capable of breaching public peace. He warned that the command would not tolerate criminal activities that threaten public safety.
CP Ogunlowo also urged youths in the state to renounce cultism and other criminal associations, while reassuring residents, parents and stakeholders of the police command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.
Members of the public were encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines, including the Gateway Shield toll-free line and other designated contact numbers.
The successful operation underscores the command’s resolve to combat cultism and maintain law and aorder across Ogun State—sending a clear message that criminal activities will not be allowed to thrive.
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