Police nab suspected Aiye cult gang hitmen in Lagos, recover weapons

By Ayox Ojo

The Lagos Police Command said its operatives have arrest of suspected notorious Aiye cult gang hitmen linked to several violent crimes and killings in Ajanmgbadi, Ojo, and its environs.

The spokesperson for the Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi who announced this in a statement on Tuesday identified the suspects as Emmanuel Nwokolo alias “Oblo” (35), Ayola Israel alias “Essy awpaw” (39), Ebuka Nnamdi (31), and Chinedu Okafor (22).

According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended at a hotel in Ajanmgbadi, Ojo Local Government Area, following credible intelligence received by the Command.

Adebisi said preliminary investigation evidence of the suspects’ involvement in violent criminal activities.

According to the police spokesperson, a video recovered from one of the suspects’ mobile phones showed what is suspected to be the killing of unidentified persons within Ajanmgbadi and surrounding communities.

She also added that the suspects confessed to being members of the dreaded Aiye Confraternity and admitted to being responsible for terrorising residents through a series of killings and other violent crimes.

She added that further investigation and searches conducted by police operatives led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols, one revolver pistol, and thirteen live cartridges believed to have been used in the commission of criminal activities from the suspects.

Adebisi added that investigation is ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in other criminal cases, identify additional members of the gang, and apprehend all accomplices.

She said the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, has commended the operatives for the successful operation and reassured residents that the Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the State of crime and other criminal elements threatening public safety, and bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.

“He also urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information through the Command’s emergency lines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929,” the Lagos Police Command spokesperson concluded in the statement.