The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a suspected cultist, Ismail Damilare, popularly known as “Killer”, in connection with cult-related activities in Osogbo, the state capital.
The suspect, aged 22, was arrested on Sunday by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Command at the Oke-Odo area of the city.
Speaking on the development in Osogbo on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said that while Damilare is indeed known to be closely associated with Nurudeen Iyanda, also known as “Alowonle”, he is not his biological son, contrary to widespread speculation on social media.
“It is true that Ismail Damilare was arrested in the Oke-Odo area of Osogbo yesterday,” Ojelabi said.
“But it is not true that he is the son of Nurudeen Iyanda, aka Alowonle. From our investigation, it is clear that he is one of Alowonle’s boys.”
Alowonle is the Chairman of the Osun State Park Management System, a role that has come under public scrutiny in the past due to alleged links with local gangs and political thugs, though he has not been officially charged with any wrongdoing.
During the arrest, police operatives recovered two locally made pistols and live ammunition from the suspect. The items were found in Damilare’s possession, and he reportedly admitted ownership during interrogation.
Damilare allegedly told investigators that he kept the weapons for self-protection, especially due to rising tensions among rival cult groups in Osogbo and neighbouring areas.
Although he did not directly link Alowonle to the weapons, he confessed to being acquainted with him and acknowledged that he is one of his boys , a term commonly used to describe close associates or loyalists of local political or transport union leaders.
The police say they are intensifying investigations to determine whether Damilare is connected to recent cult-related violence in Osogbo, including clashes that have led to killings and public disturbances in some parts of the state.
The Anti-Cultism Unit has been conducting regular raids and surveillance in areas marked as cult strongholds. Authorities believe the arrest of Damilare could lead to more breakthroughs in identifying and dismantling dangerous gangs operating under the cover of political or union affiliations.
The Osun Police Command also used the opportunity to warn against spreading false or unverified information, especially on social media, about arrests and affiliations.
“We urge members of the public and the media to confirm details before spreading them. While we are committed to keeping the public informed, false information can undermine ongoing investigations,” DSP Ojelabi stated.
