Police arrest 52 suspected cultists during initiation in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command has said its operatives arrested no fewer than 52 suspected cultists during a cult initiation in Ifo, headquarters of Ifo local government area of the state.

Omotola Odutola, the command’s spokesperson, who disclosed this in Abeokuta, said the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence received by the police about the planned cult initiation.

She said: “Upon receiving the information, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ota, mobilised his men and stormed the Simko International Hotel in the Iya Abiodun area, where some suspected members of the Supreme Buccaneers Confraternity, also known as Alora, were gathered.

“Upon the police arrival, the suspected cultists attempted to lock the gate but were overpowered by the police officers, leading to the arrest of 52 suspects while some were able to escape.”

The statement read in part: “On 21/01/24, at about 00:45 hrs, DPO Ifo reported the successful arrest of fifty-two suspected members of the Supreme Buccaneers Confraternity, also known as Alora, at the Simko International Hotel in Iya Abiodun Ifo area.

“This operation was conducted based on intelligence received regarding the initiation of new members of the group. Upon receiving the intelligence, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ota, activated tactical teams led by the SWAT Commander, who were already within the Area Command on a special duty, and directed them to reinforce DPO Ifo for the operation.

“The DPO and the SWAT Commander raced to the scene with the combined teams. Upon arrival, the cult group, who had already mounted surveillance around the scene, attempted to lock the gate upon sighting the police presence. Despite their efforts, the teams gained access to the hotel, resulting in the arrest of 55 suspects, including some females. Some, however, managed to escape through the fence.”

Odutola further disclosed that exhibits such as vehicles, mobile phones, needles, and shirts with Alora inscriptions were recovered from the suspects while stating that investigation had been concluded on the matter and the suspects had been charged to court.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects are needles, T-shirts with Alora inscriptions, three private vehicles, and 58 different phones. Among those arrested were Adigun Ayomide, Obanla Abayomi, and 50 others. The suspects have been charged to court,” Odutola added.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now