The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 14 suspects in Ipara, Ode and Isara-Remo over alleged unlawful assembly and a suspected cult initiation exercise.
According to the police, the arrests followed a covert operation during which officers recovered three locally fabricated pistols, 11 cartridges, four rounds of 9mm Beretta ammunition, confraternity caps, a drum believed to be used for cult initiation, 19 mobile phones, charms and nine vehicles of different brands. Some of the vehicles reportedly had no number plates, while others bore unauthorised dealer plates.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Saturday.
Explaining how the operation unfolded, Babaseyi said, “On January 24, 2026, at about 1:20am, actionable intelligence revealed that members of the Eiye Confraternity had gathered in large numbers at a bush location in Ipara-Remo, Ogun State, planning to initiate new members and conspire to breach the peace through unlawful assembly.”
He added that security operatives moved swiftly to disrupt the gathering. “Acting swiftly, a joint team of operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit and the Special Weapons and Tactics unit, supported by personnel from the Ipara and Isara divisions, conducted a coordinated sweep operation, arresting 14 suspects, comprising 13 males and one female,” he stated.
DSP Babaseyi listed the suspects as 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.
He noted that investigations are ongoing, adding that “the suspects are undergoing investigation and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.”
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Babaseyi further disclosed that security operations in the area have been intensified. “Ongoing sweep operations and intelligence-led patrols continue across the axis to apprehend other fleeing suspects and ensure sustained peace, security and public safety for residents and communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, condemned the unlawful gathering and all forms of cult-related activities in the state. He urged young people to desist from cultism and criminal affiliations, while reassuring residents, parents, students and stakeholders of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
The police also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious movements or security threats via the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (toll-free) on 0800 000 9111, and other emergency numbers including 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369 and 0708 497 2994.