In a swift tactical operation, the Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity during a clandestine gathering at a secondary school in Oyo town.
The operation, which took place at Bode Thomas Secondary School, disrupted a meeting of approximately 30 individuals dressed in black. While the majority of the group managed to escape into nearby bushes upon sighting the police, three men were apprehended at the scene.
The police identified the arrested individuals as 20-year-old Jelili Taiwo Kazeem, 25-year-old Toheeb Adediran, and 23-year-old Ayomide Taiwo.
One of the suspects, Toheeb Adediran, was identified as a commercial motorcycle (okada) rider who allegedly transported members to the venue. Along with the arrests, security operatives recovered one motorcycle, one axe, and a black cap associated with the group’s activities.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their membership in the Aiye Confraternity, claiming the gathering was intended to celebrate a member’s birthday. The suspects have since provided voluntary statements detailing their roles within the group.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) for Oyo State praised the Atiba Division for their proactive response and strategic analysis. He has since ordered the case transferred to the State Anti-Cultism Squad for a more discreet and comprehensive investigation.
“This development underscores the Command’s firm resolve not to allow Oyo State to become a breeding ground for cultism or violent crime,” the Command stated in an official release.
The police are currently using information provided by the suspects to track down the remaining fleeing members of the gang. Once the investigation is finalised, the trio will be charged in court accordingly.
In light of the arrests, the Command issued a stern advisory to parents and guardians, urging them to monitor their children closely and discourage them from joining unlawful associations that carry grave legal and social consequences.
