Nigerian police have arrested 26 suspects in separate operations targeting armed robbery and cult-related violence in Oyo and Bayelsa states. In Oyo State, three suspected armed robbers were arrested following a distress call in Ibadan. The suspects, identified as Sunday Obasola, 29; Kayode Bamikole, 28; and Durodoye Ayobami, 23, allegedly robbed a tricycle driver and two passengers, while other people sustained injuries during the operation.
The Oyo State police spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the suspects were arrested at about 9:15 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, following a report that armed men were attacking residents and dispossessing them of their belongings around Sumal Junction Roundabout, Ibadan. A patrol team was deployed to the scene after receiving the distress call, leading to the arrest of the suspects. Items recovered included a black TVS motorcycle, a locally fabricated cut-to-size pistol, and a live cartridge.
In Bayelsa State, 23 suspects were arrested over alleged involvement in renewed cult clashes that reportedly claimed more than five lives. The Commissioner of Police, Ajao Saka Adewale, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Yenagoa, saying the operations targeted suspected cultists and individuals linked to attacks and reprisals in several communities.
Among those arrested in Bayelsa was 24-year-old Tarimie James of Ovom, who was apprehended near St Anglican Church with a locally fabricated pistol. James confessed to belonging to the Icelanders Confraternity. Another suspect, 24-year-old Ezekiel Joel of Igbogene, was arrested with an automatic pump-action gun and other weapons, and reportedly confessed to belonging to the Klu Klux Klan (KKK) confraternity.
The Bayelsa State police also recovered a drum allegedly used during cult meetings, as well as eight firearms, nine rounds of live 9mm ammunition, and other items. The command’s Violent Crime Response Unit led to the arrest of five additional suspects allegedly linked to attacks and reprisals between rival cult groups, with a pistol, axes, cutlasses, and knives recovered.
The police in Abia State have given owners of abandoned and unclaimed items recovered by its personnel 14 days to claim them, warning that unclaimed property will be disposed of through public auction in accordance with the law. The items, being held at the Area Command in Aba and the Ohafia Police Division, include a Mercedes-Benz J5 vehicle, motorcycles, motor batteries, and other items.
The Abia State Police Command urged anyone who owns the listed property to come forward within 14 days of the notice to establish ownership and reclaim the items. Failure to do so would leave the police with no option but to dispose of the property through public auction in line with existing laws.
Key points
- 26 suspects arrested in Oyo and Bayelsa states for armed robbery and cult-related violence.
- Police recover firearms, ammunition, and other weapons from suspects.
- Abia State police give owners 14 days to claim abandoned property.
