By Chigozie Daniel
Operatives of the Ilaro Division of the Ogun State Police Command have dismantled a suspected cult network in a swift operation that led to the arrest of four suspects linked to assault, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms.
The suspects, identified as Samson John, 25; Olufowora Michael, 28; Odeh Samuel Ejeh, 25; and Olajide Jeremiah, 28, were apprehended following a distress report lodged at the division, triggering an immediate tactical response by the police.
Police authorities disclosed that the incident dates back to April 16, 2026, when the complainant reported that earlier in the day, at about 1pm, a gang led by one of the suspects stormed his residence in Ilaro and launched a violent attack.
The attackers reportedly assaulted the victim, issued threats with dangerous weapons including an axe, and forcefully dispossessed him of his mobile device, identified as an iPhone 14 Pro Max, before fleeing the scene.
Acting on credible intelligence and deploying rapid response strategies, the police tracked down the suspects and effected their arrest in a coordinated operation that underscored growing vigilance within the command.
A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, an axe, suspected traditional charms, and the stolen iPhone, all of which have been secured as exhibits in the ongoing investigation.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the development, noting that the operation reflects the command’s renewed resolve to clamp down on cultism and violent crimes across Ogun communities.
Further investigations have since been escalated to the State Criminal Investigation Department, where the suspects are currently in custody as detectives intensify efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for criminality and vowed that perpetrators of violent acts would face the full weight of the law.
The Ogun State Police Command urged residents to remain alert and cooperative, stressing the importance of timely intelligence in crime prevention, while reiterating its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.