The police in Ogun State have arrested five suspected dreaded cult members and armed robbers who have been on the wanted list of the command in their hideout along Molipa Road, Ijebu Ode, while planning another violent attack.
The suspects were arrested on February 22, 2022.
According to the spokesman of the police in Ogun State, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, the suspects are Segun Olabiyi (a.k.a. Koleje); Musa Atanda (a.k.a. Musa sars); Olorunjuedalo Adewale, Olamide Odewole and Peter Anuoluwapo Akinyemi.
He said they were arrested following an information received by policemen attached to Obalende divisional headquarters, Ijebu Ode, that the hoodlums who are members of Aiye confraternity were gathering in groups at the back of De Prime Hotel in preparation for a deadly attack.
Upon the information, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Obalende division, SP Salami Murphy, mobilized his men and headed to the scene.
On sighting the policemen, the suspected armed robbers engaged them in gun battle but they were subdued by the superior firepower of the policemen, which eventually led to the arrest of five amongst them while others escaped with bullets injuries.
Recovered at the scene of the encounter are one locally made short gun, two live cartridges and assorted criminal charms.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were actively involved in various cult clashes that had claimed many lives including that of a serving policeman, Sgt Akeem Oseni, attached to Igbeba division.
Their trademark according to their confession was to cut off the right hand of their victims after killing them.
They also confessed to have been involved in some robbery operations in Ijebu Ode and its environs and that one of their prominent leaders simply known as PERTH was killed in one of the robbery operations.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Bankole, who applauded the gallantry and professional performance of his men has directed that the suspects be transferred to the state criminal investigation and intelligence department for discreet investigation.
He also charged his officers to take the battle to the doorsteps of all known criminals in the state, in order to make Ogun State a peaceful place for all.
