Crackdown at Ibadan Polytechnic yields 16 suspects

Police operatives in Oyo State have apprehended 16 suspected cult members during an operation at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, thwarting what authorities say could have escalated into violence.

The arrests were confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan by the Police Public Relations Officer,  Ayanlade Olayinka. He said the suspects, believed to be affiliated with the Aiye Confraternity, were intercepted while allegedly preparing for a gathering within the institution.

Olayinka disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Abimbola Olugbenga, led the operation after securing the consent of the school management. He noted that the team acted on intelligence pointing to the planned meeting.

“During the course of the operation, a total of 16 suspects, comprising 14 males and two females, were arrested at and around the venue.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that some of the suspects had been on the Command’s watchlist for their alleged involvement in a series of murder cases and cult-related activities within the State.”

According to the police spokesman, several weapons were recovered from the suspects. These include two locally fabricated cut-to-size guns, two English pistols, 16 live cartridges, four axes and various charms.

He added that further investigations were underway to determine the full scope of the suspects’ activities and to track down other individuals who may have escaped during the operation.

Olayinka reiterated the Command’s resolve to tackle cultism and violent crime, assuring residents that efforts to maintain security across the state would be sustained.