The Oyo State Police Command on Wednesday arrested 16 students 14 males and two females over suspected cult-related activities at The Polytechnic Ibadan.
Investigations showed that some of the suspects had previously been placed on the Command’s watchlist due to alleged links to several murder cases and cult-related incidents across the state.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the suspects include Olusoji Pelumi, also known as Lumi; Fatoki Sunday, also known as Cwise (Chief Carrier); Gbenga Opatunbi, also known as Opa (Chief Aza); Olami Lekan Lateef Micheal (Finance); Olaniyi Oyedeji; and Olaoluwa Sunday.
Others listed were Okedokun Olayemi; Sulaiman Oyewole; Moshood Abdullahi; Faruk Olosogunro; Oyegbori Ibrahim; Bello Olalekan; Amusan Emmanuel; Babatunde Abeeb; Mustapha Omotola Kafilat; and Balogun Roqibat.
Items reportedly recovered from the suspects included two locally fabricated cut-to-size guns, two foreign-made pistols, 16 live cartridges, four axes, and various charms.
Ayanlade explained that the police received credible intelligence indicating that members of the notorious Aiye Confraternity were planning a major gathering within the school premises. Acting on the information, operatives launched a coordinated operation aimed at preventing any potential breakdown of law and order.
He added that after securing approval from the institution’s authorities, the State Commissioner of Police personally led a team to the suspected meeting point, described as the group’s alleged temple within the campus. The operation, he said, was carried out in a professional manner.
During the raid, officers arrested 16 suspects at and around the identified location.
Preliminary findings, according to the police spokesperson, suggest that several of those arrested had already been under surveillance due to their alleged involvement in previous murder cases and cult-related activities in the state.
The Command assured the public that investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the suspects’ activities and to track down other individuals believed to have fled the scene.
The Commissioner of Police also reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to combat cultism and other violent crimes, urging residents to stay alert and promptly share useful information with security agencies.