The Osun State Police Command has apprehended five suspects in connection with an attack on a Methodist Church located in the Fiwasaye Area of Osogbo. According to the police, the suspects were arrested at the scene of the crime on September 20, 2026, at about 10:40hrs. The incident occurred when a group of youths playing football on a nearby fallow land kicked a ball into the church premises, leading to a confrontation.
The police reported that the suspects damaged a vehicle parked on the church premises and the louvre blades on the window of the church. A motorcycle was also recovered from the scene. The arrested suspects include Tajudeen Hassan, Adewale Yusuf, Kabiru Abdulsalam, Olanrewaju Abiodun, and a female, Adewale Mujidat. The police stated that the suspects allegedly threw stones into the church premises, causing further damage to additional louvre windows and the rear glass screen of a Mitsubishi vehicle.
The Osun State Police Command received a distress call from a complainant at the Methodist Church Nigeria, reporting the incident. Police operatives from Iludun Division swiftly responded and apprehended the suspects. The command also recovered a red-coloured Yamaha motorcycle with registration number LRG 143 QE from the scene. The State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and in accordance with the law.
Commissioner Zungura urged members of the public, particularly youths, to always exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of escalating minor disagreements into acts of violence or destruction of property. The police assured members of the public that appropriate legal action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation. The incident highlights the need for caution and restraint in resolving minor conflicts.
The Osun State Police Command had earlier warned against a planned protest allegedly linked to a group identified as the “Congress of Cultists”, associated with the Neo-Black Movement, also known as Black Axe. The command described the group as faceless and stated that intelligence indicated its alleged association with the cult group. The police warned individuals or groups planning to cause chaos to reconsider their actions.
The police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, signed the statement announcing the arrest of the suspects. Ojelabi also issued a statement warning against the planned protest, citing the potential for violence and disruption of public peace. The police are taking steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The arrested suspects are currently in police custody, and the investigation is ongoing. The police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to identify any additional suspects. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of churches and other public places in the state.
Key points
- Five suspects arrested over attack on Methodist Church in Osogbo
- Incident occurred when youths playing football kicked ball into church premises
- Police recover motorcycle and damage to vehicle and church property reported
