The Kwara State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity over the alleged abduction and murder of a student of Kwara State Polytechnic, while launching a manhunt for nine other suspected members of the group.

The arrests followed weeks of investigation by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), who carried out coordinated operations at identified cult hideouts across Ilorin metropolis on June 29.

The suspects were identified as Adeoye Babatunde Alimi, 23, also known as “Solar”; Bernard Kayode, 25, alias “KK”; and Owoyemi Bashiru, 27, alias “GDP.”

According to the police, the suspects are linked to the disappearance of 29-year-old Sodiq Durodola Olaniyi, an indigene of Oyo State and a student of Kwara State Polytechnic, who had been reported missing since June 4.

Confirming the arrests, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said investigations revealed that the suspects were members of a violent cult group allegedly responsible for abducting the victim.

She disclosed that the suspects confessed during interrogation that Olaniyi was killed after he was abducted.

The police spokesperson said further investigations showed that the criminal group consists of 12 members, with nine suspects still at large.

She added that tactical operations had been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects, dismantle the criminal network and recover the victim’s body.

According to the command, the suspects currently in custody are also providing investigators with information relating to other violent crimes allegedly committed by the group within Ilorin metropolis.

The police assured residents that investigations were ongoing and pledged to ensure that all those found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

(Photo Credit: Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria)