Cynthia Ezegwu
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old suspected member of the Aiye Confraternity, Sulaiman Laja, during an intelligence-driven operation in Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the state.
Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown on cult-related activities across Ogun.
Odutola said Laja, who had long been on the police watchlist, was apprehended after he was sighted in disguise and trailed to his hideout by operatives of the Igbesa Division. A search of the location led to the recovery of a “serviceable single-barrel gun, strongly believed to have been used for criminal activities within the community.”
She stated that the suspect confessed to being an active and notorious member of the Aiye cult group and had provided useful information that helped identify other fleeing members of the gang. A manhunt for the accomplices is currently underway.
The Divisional Police Officer of the Igbesa Division was commended by the command for the successful operation.
READ ALSO: Ogun Police Refute Viral Video Herdsmen Attack in Ogun
Odutola added that Laja, along with the recovered firearm, will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further interrogation and prosecution.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating criminal elements and restoring public confidence across the state.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Rivers State Police Command on Friday arrested 10 suspected cultists involved in a prolonged supremacy battle in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt. The arrests followed renewed clashes between the ‘Blood Suckers’ and ‘D12’ factions of the Deygbam cult group, who have been terrorising residents in the Diobu axis.