The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected cult members and recovered a firearm at The Polytechnic, Ibadan following intelligence of a planned violent clash within the campus. The operation was carried out by officers from the Sango Division after a tip-off from a source within the institution alerted authorities to suspicious movements by a group of young men believed to be preparing for an attack on a rival faction.
According to the Oyo State Police Command Press Statement, Police operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer of Sango Division, swiftly mobilised to the school premises where two suspects were apprehended. The arrested individuals were identified as Lawal Opeyemi, popularly known as “Aiki,” aged 31, and Olaniyan Opeyemi, also known as “Bojan,” aged 29, both residents of the Apete area of Ibadan. A search conducted at the point of arrest led to the recovery of a locally made double-barrel pistol, two live cartridges, and a black bag containing charms.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects had allegedly been linked to previous cult-related disturbances within the institution. During interrogation, the duo reportedly confessed to being members of the Eiye Secret Cult Confraternity and are said to be cooperating with investigators as the probe continues.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, has directed that the suspects be transferred to the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit for further discreet and comprehensive investigation. According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group and determine the full extent and objective of the alleged gathering.
Commending the school authorities for the timely sharing of credible intelligence, the Police Commissioner reiterated the importance of community partnership in combating crime. He also urged parents and guardians to caution their children against involvement in secret cults and other unlawful groups, stressing that the Command remains firm in its zero-tolerance stance against cultism and violent crimes across the state.
