Osun police raid criminal hideouts, arrest 14 suspects ahead of 2027 elections

The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of 14 suspects following a series of coordinated intelligence-led raids on criminal hideouts across Osogbo and other parts of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that firearms and other dangerous weapons were recovered during the operations.

According to the police, the statewide clampdown follows directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at ensuring a safe environment ahead of the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

In compliance, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and tactical teams to embark on sustained intelligence raids of black spots within their respective areas of responsibility.

“On October 25, 2026, police operatives raided identified criminal hideouts in Ode-Oga, Gbonmi, Popo, Isale-Aro, Oja-Oba, Allie, and Orisunmibare. A total of 37 individuals were initially arrested during the sweep.

“Following a thorough screening and profiling exercise, 23 persons were released unconditionally, while 12 suspects were retained for further investigation.

The suspects held for further investigation are: Oluranti Fatai (40), Suraju Adebayo (45), Okunola Sodiq (27), Ibrahim Sodiq (35), Ganiyu Sikiru (28) and Moshood Adeleke (40).

Others are: Kayoye Oguntayo (22), Alaudeen Samad (22), Ridwan Adegbola (27), Busari Hammad (30), Abiodun Fiyiola (29) and Adeleke Olawale (28).

The police stated that preliminary investigations linked the suspects to criminal activities, including extortion, thuggery, illicit drug trade, and actions capable of causing terror and panic among residents.

In a separate operation, Ojelabi stated that the command arrested two suspected cultists, Salaudeen Mujib (30) and Olaposi Afeez (22), and recovered locally made firearms following a violent clash on Laoye Street in the Ede North Local Government Area.

Recounting the incident, Ojelabi said that on October 19, 2026, at about 12:30 p.m., detectives responded to a distress call regarding rival cultists firing sporadically and threatening public safety, saying upon arrival, officers were ambushed by a large group of armed cultists who opened fire on the team.

He said, despite the fierce attack, operatives successfully arrested Salaudeen Mujib, who was found in possession of a locally made cut-to-size firearm.

The police noted that the suspect sustained a minor gunshot injury to his right thigh during the exchange and received medical attention.

During interrogation, Mujib reportedly confessed to being a member of the Aye confraternity.

Ojelabi stated that a subsequent grid search of the cordoned-off area led to the arrest of a second suspect, Olaposi Afeez, from whom a yellow battle axe and local charms were recovered.

Afeez also reportedly confessed to membership in the Eiye confraternity. Both Salaudeen Mujib and Olaposi Afeez are currently in custody, according to the police.

Ojelabi added that the command has intensified efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the cult groups and recover additional weapons.

He reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to combating cultism, unlawful firearms possession, and violent crimes across Osun State.

He warned individuals and groups involved in cult-related activities to desist immediately, stressing that the police will bring all perpetrators to justice.

The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or criminal activities to the nearest police station or through official emergency channels, assuring residents of its dedication to protecting lives and property.

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