Aye cult founder’s day: 52 arrested as police warn cult gangs in Lagos, Edo

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo and Lagos Police Commands have issued warning to parents, guardians, hoteliers, lounges and bars owners in the State against harbouring those they described as ‘criminals’ ahead of Neo Black Movement (NBM) Founder’s Day.

They gave the warning against the backdrop of alleged potential security breaches during the Neo Black Movement (NBM) Founder’s Day.

The NBM, otherwise known as Aye Confraternity, celebrates its Founder’s Day ceremony on July 7, every year, officially known as 7/7 Day.

In Lagos, Police assured residents of its strong commitment to maintaining maximum security during the Cult Day celebration,today, Monday.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, gave the assurance in a statement on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin.

He noted that July 7 is often marked by chaos, mayhem, and killings among rival cult groups, often involving violent reprisals.

The Commissioner of Police said the command is fully prepared, with personnel mobilised to apprehend and prosecute any cultists before violence can erupt.

He added that Anti-Cultism Squads, Special Tactical Squads, Police Mobile Force, Intelligence Department, and other special units have all been mobilised.

According to him, preventive and detective strategies are already implemented to ensure cultists do not disrupt the state’s peace.

He said security operatives have been deployed across the state to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors.

“Based on credible intelligence, some cult groups plan to launch attacks and reprisals on July 7,” Jimoh warned.

He stressed that the police have put robust measures in place to prevent any such violent activity.

“The command is fully prepared to maintain law and order,” Jimoh said, adding no group would be allowed to breach the peace

Acting on intelligence, he said the police raided cult hideouts in Mushin on Sunday, arresting 52 suspected cultists.

Jimoh said the suspects were apprehended while preparing for violent attacks and are currently in police custody.

He stated that the suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.

The CP also warned hotel owners and recreational facility managers against harbouring cult activities.

He said such establishments must not allow their premises to be used for cult meetings or violent gatherings.

“Violators will face the full weight of the law,” Jimoh warned.

The CP also urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against cultism and related crimes.

He stated that the consequences of engaging in cult activities are severe and offenders will be prosecuted.

Jimoh held an operational meeting on Sunday with commanders of Anti-Cultism and Tactical Units at the Command Headquarters.

He charged them to ensure no cult group disturbs the peace or causes harm in any part of the state.

“The command’s crime prevention and detective units remain on high alert and committed to protecting all residents,” he said.

Jimoh encouraged residents to continue their lawful activities without fear or intimidation.

He urged the public to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via 08063299264 and 08065154338.

Also, Edo Police Commissioner, Monday Agbonika in a statemen late Sunday night by the Command’s Spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu, also warned hospitality business owners not to allow any unlawful gathering in their business places, or face the wrath of the law.

He further appealed to the general public to be security conscious and promptly report any suspicious gatherings or activities around them to the Police.

“Following intelligence reports received by the Command that certain cult groups are planning to cause mayhem on 7/7, which is an annual event, the Edo State Police Command has in a proactive move, made deployments across the State to ensure that there’s no breakdown of law and order,” the statement said.