The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspected cultists and hitmen allegedly responsible for a series of killings and violent crimes in Ojo and adjoining communities, recovering three firearms and 13 live cartridges during the operation.
The suspects, identified as Emmanuel Nwokolo, popularly known as “Oblo,” 35; Ayola Israel, alias “Essy Pawpaw,” 39; Ebuka Nnamdi, 31; and Chinedu Okafor, 22, were apprehended at a hotel in Ajanmgbadi, Ojo Local Government Area, following credible intelligence gathered by police operatives.
Confirming the arrests, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the operation formed part of the Command’s sustained offensive against cultism, violent crimes and other criminal activities across the state.
She said preliminary investigations uncovered disturbing evidence linking the suspects to multiple violent attacks in Ajanmgbadi and neighbouring communities.
According to Adebisi, “A video recovered from one of the suspects’ mobile phones allegedly captured the killing of unidentified persons within Ajanmgbadi and surrounding areas.”
She added that during interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to being members of the notorious Aiye Confraternity and admitted involvement in a series of violent crimes that had spread fear among residents.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects are members of the dreaded Aiye Confraternity. They also confessed to terrorising residents through killings and other violent criminal activities,” she stated.
The police spokesperson disclosed that further searches conducted during the investigation led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols, one revolver pistol and 13 live cartridges believed to have been used in carrying out criminal operations.
“Further investigation and searches by operatives resulted in the recovery of two locally made pistols, one revolver pistol and thirteen live cartridges suspected to have been used in the commission of their crimes,” Adebisi said.
She noted that investigators are working to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in other criminal cases, identify additional gang members and apprehend all accomplices still at large.
“The investigation is ongoing to establish their involvement in other criminal activities, identify other members of the gang and ensure that all accomplices are brought to justice,” she added.
According to her, the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to eliminating cultism and other violent crimes from the state.
“The Command remains resolute in its determination to rid Lagos State of cultism, violent crimes and all criminal elements threatening public safety,” Adebisi quoted the Commissioner as saying.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of preventing crime and enhancing public safety.
“The cooperation of residents remains vital. We encourage members of the public to continue providing useful information that will assist the police in combating crime and ensuring the safety of all Lagosians,” the police spokesperson added.
