In a major blow to organised crime, the Ogun State Police Command has disrupted a large-scale cult initiation ceremony, arresting 14 suspects and recovering a cache of illegal firearms in the early hours of Saturday.
The operation, which took place around 1:20 AM on January 24, 2026, targeted a hideout in the Ipara-Remo bush where members of the Eiye Confraternity had reportedly gathered to induct new members and coordinate attacks on public peace.
Acting on actionable intelligence, a high-powered joint team comprising the Anti-Cultism Unit, SWAT, and officers from the Ipara and Isara Divisions swarmed the location. The sweep resulted in the apprehension of 13 males and one female.
Among those apprehended are Solomon Shobamiwo (also known as “Solo Hot”), Farooq Ogunsola, Toheeb Abolade, Balogun Williams, Ayodele Abdulkareem, Adedapo Ogunsanya, Toheeb Saka, Akpan Dara, Micheal Olakemi, Habeeb Olayinka, Dapo Adeola, Adetunji Adeyemi, Henry Kingsley, and Nanso Blessing.
Beyond the arrests, police seized a significant amount of criminal hardware and assets used by the syndicate. The recovered items include three locally-made pistols, 11 live cartridges, and four rounds of 9mm Beretta ammunition.
Officers also took possession of criminal charms, confraternity caps, and a ceremonial drum used for initiation rites. Additionally, the team impounded nine vehicles of various brands—some lacking registration plates along with 19 mobile phones and a Samsung mini laptop.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, condemned the gathering and reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance policy toward cultism. He called on the youth to renounce criminal associations and assured residents, parents, and students that the Command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property.
The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation and will be charged in court upon the completion of the investigation. In the meantime, the police have intensified intelligence-led patrols across the Isara, Ipara, and Ode axis to apprehend fleeing suspects.
Authorities urge citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements via the Gateway Shield toll-free line at 0800 000 9111 or the emergency contact numbers provided by the Command.
