IBADAN, Nigeria — The Oyo State Police Command has arrested four suspected armed robbers and cult members during an intelligence-led operation in Ibadan, recovering a locally made pistol from the suspects.
Okay News reports that operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit carried out the operation in the Soka area of Ibadan after receiving intelligence that members of a criminal gang known for terrorising residents across the city had gathered at a hideout and were allegedly planning another attack.
The operation, conducted at about 6:00 a.m. on June 10, led to the arrest of four suspects identified as Salawu Sarafa, also known as Folori; Yusuf Tajudeen, also known as Blacky; Farouq Ariyo; and Adebayo Awosemo, also known as Naira. Police said a search of the suspects resulted in the recovery of a locally made pistol.
According to the command, the suspects admitted during preliminary interrogation that they are members of the Eiye Supremo confraternity and confessed to involvement in a number of violent crimes within Ibadan and surrounding communities.
The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the group who remain at large and to dismantle the wider criminal network. Investigators are also working to determine the full scope of the gang’s activities and identify additional accomplices.
The command reiterated its commitment to tackling cultism, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state, while urging residents to continue providing useful information to aid law enforcement efforts.
Police authorities assured the public that any suspect found culpable after investigation would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
