Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested four suspected cultists in Ilaro for alleged assault, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms, recovering a locally made pistol, an axe, charms, and a stolen iPhone 14 Pro Max during the operation.
The suspects: Samson John (25), Olufowora Michael (28), Odeh Samuel Ejeh (25), and Olajide Jeremiah (28), were apprehended following a report lodged at the Ilaro Divisional Police Headquarters on April 16, 2026.
Confirming the arrests, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the arrest followed a distress call from a victim who reported a violent attack earlier the same day.
“The complainant reported that at about 1:00pm on April 16, one of the suspects, Samson John, in company with six others still at large, stormed his residence, physically assaulted him, threatened him with an axe, and forcefully dispossessed him of his iPhone 14 Pro Max,” Babasiyi stated.
He explained that upon receiving the report around 11:30pm, police operatives swung into action, deploying intelligence and tactical measures that led to the swift arrest of the suspects.
“Acting promptly on the information, our operatives carried out a targeted operation which resulted in the arrest of the four suspects. During the operation, a locally made pistol, an axe, suspected charms, and the stolen iPhone were recovered from them,” he said.
Babaseyi described the operation as a demonstration of the command’s resolve to tackle violent crimes and ensure the safety of residents across the state.
“This arrest underscores the Ogun State Police Command’s unwavering commitment to ridding our communities of criminal elements, particularly cult-related groups whose activities pose a threat to public peace and safety,” he added.
He further disclosed that the suspects are currently in police custody while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang who fled the scene.
“The investigation is ongoing, and concerted efforts are being intensified to track down and arrest the remaining accomplices who are currently at large. The suspects in custody will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” Babaseyi said.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and swift response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for cultism and violent crimes.
“The Commissioner of Police has commended the officers involved in the operation for their prompt and professional conduct. He has also reiterated that the Command will continue to clamp down decisively on all forms of criminality across the state,” he noted.
Babaseyi also called on residents to remain vigilant and support the police with credible information.
“We urge members of the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to the police. Timely and accurate information from the public remains critical in our collective effort to combat crime effectively,” he said.
He assured that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property, urging citizens to make use of the available emergency lines to report incidents.
“The Ogun State Police Command remains steadfast in its duty to protect lives and property. Residents are encouraged to utilise the Command’s emergency lines to report any security concerns promptly,” Babaseyi added.
