Police Arrest 7 Suspects in Osun Crackdown on Robbery, Cult Violence
The Osun State Police Command says it has arrested seven suspects linked to armed robbery, attempted murder, and cult-related clashes in Ile-Ife and Iree, recovering two stolen motorcycles in the process.
In a statement on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, explained that one of the suspects, 23-year-old Johnson Olagoke, allegedly targeted commercial motorcyclists in Ile-Ife on two occasions in August.
According to police findings, the first incident happened on August 16 when Olagoke reportedly lured a rider into a secondary school where accomplices were waiting.
The victim was beaten until he lost consciousness, and his motorcycle, cash of N17,850, a Techno phone, and a handbag were taken.
Two days later, police said Olagoke struck again. After deceiving another motorcyclist into waiting near the same school, he allegedly attacked him from behind and escaped with the rider’s motorcycle, N10,650, and a Techno Spark 9F phone. Both victims were left unconscious.
Ojelabi noted that the suspect was later tracked and arrested by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. Two motorcycles were recovered, and police said Olagoke is providing leads to apprehend other members of the gang still at large.
In a separate operation, six suspected cultists were rounded up following a violent confrontation at a higher institution in Iree on September 8 and 9.
Police said rival confraternities, including the Buccaneers, clashed with firearms, leaving two students injured.
“Three suspects were apprehended at the scene, while three others were picked up later in follow-up raids,” Ojelabi said.
Those arrested include Oluwadamilare Temitope, 23; Ayodeji John, 24; Adepoju Adesoji, 27; Yusuf Abeeb, 24; Fatai Quadri, 24; and Lateef Abiodun, 23.
The command added that all suspects will face prosecution once investigations are concluded.
Police Commissioner Ibrahim Gotan commended the Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Cultism units for their swift response, stressing that the command will continue operations to clamp down on criminal gangs in the state.
