Police arrest four suspected armed robbers, cultists in Ibadan, recover firearm

Crime Diary

IBADAN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Oyo State Police Command has arrested four suspected armed robbers and cult members in Ibadan, recovering a locally made pistol during an intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing violent crime across the state.

The Command disclosed on Friday that operatives of its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) carried out the operation following credible intelligence about the activities of a notorious criminal syndicate operating within the Ibadan metropolis.

According to the police, intelligence reports indicated that members of the gang had converged at their hideout in the Soka area of Ibadan and were allegedly planning another criminal operation.

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Acting on the information, security operatives swiftly mobilised to the location and arrested four suspects identified as Salawu Sarafa, also known as Folori; Yusuf Tajudeen, alias Blacky; Farouq Ariyo; and Adebayo Awosemo, popularly known as Naira.

A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol.

The police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are alleged members of the Eiye Supremo Confraternity.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their membership of the cult group and admitted involvement in a series of violent crimes within Ibadan and surrounding communities.

The Command said investigations have been expanded to uncover the full extent of the gang’s operations and identify other members of the criminal network who remain at large.

Police authorities also disclosed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects linked to the group and dismantle the wider criminal syndicate.

The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to combating cultism, armed robbery, and other violent crimes across the state.

It urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist in crime prevention and the arrest of criminal elements.

The Command further assured members of the public that all suspects found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon the conclusion of investigations.

The latest operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to strengthen public safety and curb criminal activities across Oyo State.