The Osun State Police Command has taken into custody 14 suspected criminals, including two suspected cultists, following a series of coordinated operations against identified black spots and criminal hideouts across the state. According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, the arrests were made on October 25, 2026. The operations targeted areas such as Ode-Oga, Gbonmi, Popo, Isale-Aro, Oja-Oba, Allie, and Orisunmibare.
During the initial operation, 35 individuals were arrested and subsequently screened to determine their possible involvement in criminal activities. Following the screening exercise, 23 persons were released unconditionally, while 12 suspects were retained for further investigation. The retained suspects include Oluranti Fatao, 40, Suraju Adebayo, 45, Okunola Sodiq, 27, and Ibrahim Sodiq, 35, among others. The police said the suspects were linked to alleged criminal activities, including extortion, thuggery, and illicit drug-related activities.
In a related operation, two additional suspected cultists were arrested, bringing the total number of suspects retained to 14. The two cultists were arrested following a violent clash at Laoye Street, Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State, on October 19, 2026. The incident occurred when detectives responded to a distress call reporting that suspected cult members were attacking one another and firing sporadically, causing panic among residents.
During the operation, one suspect, Salaudeen Mujib, was arrested with a locally made cut-to-size firearm and sustained a minor gunshot injury to his right thigh. He reportedly confessed to belonging to the Aye cult group. A subsequent search of the area led to the arrest of another suspect, Olaposi Afeez, from whom a yellow battle axe and local charms were recovered. He reportedly confessed to being a member of the Eiye confraternity.
The police said the operations formed part of efforts to rid Osun State of criminal elements, in line with directives issued by the Inspector-General of Police, Ol. The Command disclosed that the suspects had been charged before a competent court, although details of the charges were not provided. The police assured residents that they would continue to work to ensure the state remains safe.
The arrested suspects were identified as 40-year-old Oluranti Fatao, 45-year-old Suraju Adebayo, 27-year-old Okunola Sodiq, 35-year-old Ibrahim Sodiq, 28-year-old Ganiyu Sikiru, 40-year-old Moshood Adeleke, 22-year-old Kayoye Oguntayo, 22-year-old Alaudeen Samad, 27-year-old Ridwan Adegbola, 30-year-old Busari Hammad, 29-year-old Abiodun Fiyiola, 28-year-old Adeleke Olawale, Salaudeen Mujib, and Olaposi Afeez.
The police operations reflect the ongoing efforts to combat crime in Osun State. The state's police command has been working to address various security challenges, including cult-related violence and other forms of criminal activity. Key efforts have focused on intelligence gathering and community engagement.
Key points
- 14 suspects arrested in Osun State
- Arrests made in connection with extortion, thuggery, and illicit drug-related activities
- Operations part of efforts to rid Osun State of criminal elements
