Oyo Police Arrest Alleged Cult Members in Ibadan Poly, Recover Firearm

The Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of two suspected cult members at The Polytechnic, Ibadan and recovered a locally made firearm following what authorities described as a swift intelligence-led operation.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday by the state Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the Command said the arrests were made after credible information from a concerned member of the institution alerted the police to the presence of a group of young men allegedly planning to attack a rival cult group within the campus.

Acting on the tip-off, a team of operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of Sango Division moved to the school premises, where two suspects were apprehended.

The suspects according to the Police, are both residents of the Apete area of Ibadan.

According to the police, a search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of one locally made double-barrel pistol, two live cartridges, and a black bag containing charms.

The police explained that its preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects have allegedly been linked to a series of cult-related clashes within the institution.

The authority added that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of the Eiye Secret Cult Confraternity and are said to be cooperating with investigators.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Femi Haruna, has directed that the suspects be transferred to the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit for further investigation.

The police said efforts are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ activities, apprehend other fleeing members of the group, and ensure that those found culpable are charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner commended the school authorities and the individual who provided the intelligence, noting that timely information sharing remains critical in combating crime.

He also praised the operatives of the Sango Division for their prompt response and professionalism.

Reiterating the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism and violent crimes, the police urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against involvement in secret groups capable of jeopardizing their future.