Police Raid Criminal Hotspots In Osun, Arrest Suspected Cultists And 12 Others

The Osun State Police Command has arrested 14 suspected criminals, including two alleged cult members, following coordinated operations targeting identified criminal hideouts and black spots across the state.

The arrests were made during raids conducted on October 25, 2026, in areas including Ode-Oga, Gbonmi, Popo, Isale-Aro, Oja-Oba, Allie and Orisunmibare.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura.

The command explained that 35 individuals were initially arrested during the operation and subjected to profiling and screening to determine their possible involvement in criminal activities. Following the exercise, 23 people were released unconditionally, while 12 suspects were retained for further investigation.

The 12 individuals were identified as Oluranti Fatao, 40; Suraju Adebayo, 45; Okunola Sodiq, 27; Ibrahim Sodiq, 35; Ganiyu Sikiru, 28; Moshood Adeleke, 40; Kayoye Oguntayo, 22; Alaudeen Samad, 22; Ridwan Adegbola, 27; Busari Hammad, 30; Abiodun Fiyiola, 29; and Adeleke Olawale, 28.

In a separate operation, police operatives arrested two additional suspects over an alleged cult-related clash at Laoye Street in Ede North Local Government Area, bringing the total number of suspects retained from the reported operations to 14.

The police said preliminary investigations linked the suspects to alleged offences including extortion, thuggery, illicit drug-related activities and other acts capable of causing fear and panic among residents.

The command disclosed that the cult-related incident occurred on October 19, 2026, at about 12:30 p.m., after detectives responded to a distress call reporting an attack involving suspected cult members who were allegedly shooting sporadically.

According to the police, the responding officers were ambushed by armed individuals who reportedly opened fire on their team. Despite the attack, the operatives arrested one suspect, identified as Salaudeen Mujib, who was allegedly found in possession of a locally made cut-to-size firearm.

Mujib reportedly sustained a minor gunshot injury to his right thigh during the incident and was taken for medical treatment. The police further stated that he confessed during interrogation to being a member of the Aye cult group.

A subsequent search of the secured area led to the arrest of another suspect, Olaposi Afeez. The police said a yellow battle axe and local charms were recovered from him, adding that he allegedly admitted to belonging to the Eiye confraternity.

The command confirmed that the suspects had been charged before a competent court, although it did not disclose the specific charges filed against them.

The police said the operations were part of ongoing efforts to rid Osun State of criminal elements, in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura directed area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical teams to sustain intelligence-led operations and raids on suspected criminal hideouts across their respective jurisdictions.

He also disclosed that the command had intensified efforts to track down other fleeing members of the suspected cult groups and recover additional weapons.

Zungura warned individuals involved in cultism, illegal possession of firearms and other violent activities to desist from criminal conduct. He also urged residents to report suspicious movements and criminal activities to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.