The Oyo State Police Command has arrested four persons over alleged involvement in cult-related activities and a separate violent attack on a commercial motorcyclist in different parts of the state.
The police said three of the suspects were arrested in Oyo town for suspected cultism, while one person was arrested in Ibadan in connection with an attack on a commercial motorcyclist, popularly known as an okada rider.
The arrests were disclosed in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Olayinka Ayanlade. According to the statement, the suspects are currently under interrogation and will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
SP Ayanlade said the arrests followed credible intelligence and collaboration between the police and community-based security groups.
According to the police, the three suspects linked to cultism were arrested by operatives of the Atiba Division in Oyo town. The operation was led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) following reports of a suspected secret cult meeting in the area.
“Acting on credible and actionable intelligence, operatives of the Atiba Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly mobilised to Bode Thomas Secondary School, Oyo, where a large number of individuals dressed in black were observed converging for a suspected secret cult meeting,” the statement said.
The police said that on sighting security operatives, the group, which reportedly numbered about 30 persons, fled in different directions into nearby bushes in an attempt to escape arrest.
However, during the operation, three suspects were apprehended. They were identified as Jelili Taiwo Kazeem, 20; Toheeb Adediran, 25; and Ayomide Taiwo, 23, all male.
Further investigation by the police revealed that one of the suspects, Toheeb Adediran, is a commercial motorcyclist. The police alleged that he conveyed some of the suspected cult members to the location where the meeting was to hold.
As part of the investigation, the motorcycle used to transport the suspected cultists was also recovered and taken to the police station for examination.
The police said the suspects are currently cooperating with investigators and have been providing information that could help security agencies track down other members of the group who escaped during the raid.
“The suspects are currently cooperating with investigators and providing credible information that is assisting ongoing efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang,” the statement added.
The police assured members of the public that the suspects would be charged to court once investigations are completed.
Cultism has remained a serious security challenge in many parts of Oyo State, especially in urban areas and towns with a large population of youths. Rival cult clashes have often led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and fear among residents.
Over the years, the Oyo State Police Command has carried out several operations to curb cult activities, including raids, arrests, and community engagement. Security agencies have also warned parents and guardians to monitor the activities of their children and wards.
In a separate development, the Oyo State Police Command also confirmed the arrest of one Saheed Eegunjobi, 38, in connection with a violent attack on a commercial motorcyclist in Ibadan.
The suspect was arrested with the assistance of Agbekoya Vigilante personnel, a local community-based security group known for supporting law enforcement agencies in rural and semi-urban areas of the state.
According to the police, the arrest was made possible through close cooperation between the command and the vigilante group. The suspect was later handed over to a patrol team attached to the Idi-Aro Division of the police.
SP Ayanlade explained that the suspect, alongside an accomplice who is currently at large, allegedly posed as a passenger before attacking the motorcyclist.
“The suspect, along with one accomplice who is currently at large, had allegedly pretended to be passengers and boarded a commercial motorcycle from the Mokola area of Ibadan before attacking the rider,” the statement said.
Although details of the attack were not fully disclosed, the police confirmed that the incident was violent in nature. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack and to arrest the fleeing accomplice.
Attacks on commercial motorcyclists have become a concern in parts of Ibadan and other cities in the state. In many cases, criminals disguise themselves as passengers before robbing or injuring riders, sometimes leaving them with serious injuries.
Commercial motorcyclists play a key role in transportation across Oyo State, especially in areas where roads are narrow or inaccessible to cars. However, they are often exposed to risks, including robbery, assault, and traffic accidents.
The police have repeatedly advised okada riders to be cautious when picking passengers, especially at night or in isolated areas. Riders have also been encouraged to work closely with local security groups and report suspicious movements.
The Oyo State Police Command said the recent arrests reflect its commitment to tackling crime and maintaining peace across the state. The command urged residents to continue providing useful information that can help security agencies prevent crime.
SP Ayanlade stressed the importance of community policing, noting that cooperation between the police and local groups like the Agbekoya Vigilante has continued to yield positive results.
“The command appreciates the support of community partners and encourages the public to remain vigilant and law-abiding,” he said.
He also warned individuals involved in cultism, violence, and other criminal activities to desist, noting that the police would not relent in enforcing the law.
As investigations continue, residents of Oyo and Ibadan have expressed hope that the arrests will help reduce crime and improve safety in their communities.
The police assured the public that all suspects would be treated in line with the law and their rights respected, while those found guilty would face prosecution.
For now, the command says it remains focused on protecting lives and property and ensuring that Oyo State remains safe for residents and visitors alike.