Police Arrest Eight Suspected Cultists in Osun Crackdown
- By Aremu Bisola
The Osun State Police Command has intensified its campaign against cultism and violent crimes with the arrest of eight suspected cultists and thugs during coordinated operations in Ilesa and Osogbo.
The suspects identified as Abiola Osobu Michael, popularly known as “Small,” Afolabi Samson, alias “Elesi,” Ojute Imoleayo, Jimoh Olayinka, Olwasesin Niyi, Robin Akeem, Robin Selim, and Nurudeen Kafayat were apprehended by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit following intelligence reports.
According to the police, the operations were carried out in separate raids aimed at curbing cult-related activities and restoring public peace in affected communities across the state.
Police sources disclosed that the first arrest was made on June 17, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m. in the Iloro community of Ilesa, where Abiola Osobu Michael was allegedly terrorising residents and causing public disturbance.
The suspect was swiftly arrested by security operatives and reportedly confessed during interrogation to being a member of the notorious Eiye Confraternity.
In a related operation conducted in the early hours of June 19, 2026, police operatives responded to reports of suspected cultists causing unrest in the Sasa area of Osogbo.
Upon arrival, the officers arrested seven additional suspects, while several others reportedly escaped from the scene.
Items recovered during the operations included an axe, a live cartridge, a blue cap bearing the insignia of the Eiye confraternity, and six other face caps believed to be linked to the activities of the suspects.
The Osun State Police Command stated that investigations are ongoing and that efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects. The command added that those currently in custody would be charged to court upon the completion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and wards.
He warned against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, while encouraging young people to engage in lawful and productive ventures that contribute positively to society.
