Ogun Police bust cult initiation ceremony, nab 30 suspects

By Adejoke Adeleye Ogun

Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Ogun Police Command, in collaboration with detectives in Isara Area Command and Isara Division, have arrested 30 suspected cultist during initiation procession in Isara-Remo community of the state.

The command, in a statement made available to newsmen by its spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, identified the suspects who are all males as Muiz Olawale, Adeniji Akinwale, Ajayi Victor, Damilola Oluwasegun, Adewale Olayemi, Aminu Rahmon, Olodudu Ademola, Matthew Imoleayo, Adenle Habeb, Lekan Qudus, Olamilekan Ayanleke, Adegbasa Ezekiel, Ibukun Adeniyi, Abiodun Babatunde, Oshofolahan Michael and Salau Adedeji.

The others are Benjamin Kehinde, Magnus Elijah, Oluwadamilare Samson, Oyebowale Ojutona, Abiodun Makanjuola, Idowu Toheeb, Olamide Sunday, Malik Also, Abdullahi Damilola, Israel Ayomikun, Oyeledun Ezekiel, Adelabu Imoleayo, Ajayi Oluwasegun, and Olaawun Faith.

Babaseyi said the suspects were arrested during an operation that was carried out on 16th June, 2026, at about 1600hrs.

The operation, he said, followed credible intelligence that a group of suspected hoodlums had converged at an uncompleted building in Isara-Remo for an unlawful gathering involving meeting activities, consumption of alcoholic substances, chanting, and initiation attempts.

He added that based on the information, the Commander of the VCRU swiftly mobilised a combined team of operatives from the Unit, Isara Area Command, and Isara Division.

“The operatives stormed the location, dispersed the gathering, and arrested the suspects in a well-coordinated tactical operation.

The Ogun Police spokesperson added that four vehicles abandoned during the attempted escape by the suspects were recovered at the scene, alongside jack knife, local drum, one “sekere” (rattle), and bottles suspected to have been used for alcohol consumption during the illegal assembly.

He added that the suspects were immediately taken into custody and have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Abeokuta, where they are currently undergoing investigation and will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the swift response, discipline, and professionalism of the operatives involved, describing the operation as a clear demonstration of the Command’s sustained intelligence-led policing strategy and zero tolerance for violent crime and unlawful assemblies.

“He reiterated that cultism and related criminal activities will not be condoned in any part of the State.

“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious gatherings or criminal activities to the nearest police formation,” he added.