The Osun State Police Command on Monday confirmed the arrest of Ismail Damilare, a 22-year-old man suspected to be a member of an unlawful group. The arrest comes amid ongoing efforts by the police to clamp down on criminal activities across the state.
A video of Damilare in handcuffs and leg shackles has gone viral online. In the clip, he admitted to being arrested while in possession of locally fabricated firearms. He also claimed that he kept the weapons for self-defense to protect himself from a rival group.
Speaking with PUNCH Metro on the incident, the Osun Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the seizure of the weapons.
“One cultist was arrested with two cut-to-size gun and about six cartridges.”
When asked whether the suspect had links to any high-profile individuals in the transport sector in the state, Ojelabi said: “I am not aware if he worked with the NURTW, but I know the guy was arrested. He is otherwise known as ‘Killer’ but his name is Ismail Damilare. He is 22 years old.
“So far, so good, he is the only person who was arrested yesterday (Sunday), but I have not got details from the OC Anti-Cultism. I will communicate with you once I get the details.”
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A security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, explained how Damilare was apprehended following a manhunt by the Anti-Cultism Team of the Osun State Police Command. According to the source, the arrest occurred during a patrol in Osogbo township around 7:00 p.m., at the Akere area of Oke Baale.
“The operatives of Anti-Cultism were on patrol and when they got to Akede Community in Oke Baale Area of Osogbo, they got a tip off that some hoodlums terrorising the neighborhood were hiding somewhere in the area.
“The police trailed them to their hideout. They were many where Damilare was arrested but others fled. The operatives however caught him before he could flee the area.”
The arrest is part of a broader campaign by the Osun Police Command to curb criminal activities as the state moves closer to an election year. Authorities have previously apprehended suspects involved in armed robbery, cult-related violence, and other crimes.
For instance, on September 11, 2025, seven suspects were arrested in Ile-Ife and Iree over allegations of armed robbery, attempted murder, and cult-related offenses, with two stolen motorcycles recovered.
Earlier, Ojelabi had disclosed: “Six suspected cultists linked to a bloody clash at a higher institution in Iree were arrested on September 8 and 9. Members of the Buccaneers confraternity and rival groups reportedly exchanged gunfire, leaving two students injured and hospitalised.”
The repeated arrests underscore the police’s commitment to tackling cultism and violent crimes in Osun State. Authorities have also called on residents to report suspicious activities in their communities to help maintain peace and security.
With the apprehension of Damilare, the Osun Police Command continues to demonstrate its vigilance, sending a clear message that unlawful possession of firearms and involvement in cult-related activities will not be tolerated.