The Osun Police Command has arrested 24 suspected cult members and political thugs in a renewed crackdown on violent crimes ahead of the state’s forthcoming elections.
They were apprehended after the police intensified raids against cult groups, political thuggery, and other violent crimes following a series of killings recorded in different parts of the state.
The suspects were Kareem Saheed, also known as “Tanfiani”; Oyeladun Muideen, alias “Akilapa”; Ridwan Adekola; Mukaila Azeez, popularly called “Mikki”; Sunday Friday, alias “Akube”; Olamilekan Fatai; Tiamiyu Ismail; Famuyiwa Adekunle Toib; Ajiboye Toheed; Morufu Sodiq; Folorunsho Moshood; Hassan Sodiq; Badiru Saheed; and Adegoke Olalekan.
Others are Faruk Olawale, Iyanuoluwa Sarumi, Afolabi Ahmed, Adeshina Lukman, Mutiu Opeyemi, Olushola Daniel, Abiola Olabode, Azeez Abiodun, Babatunde Kehinde and Dada Mayowa.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, who disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday, said intelligence gathered by the command indicated that some of the violent attacks had political undertones, but assured residents that the police would not relent in restoring peace and bringing those responsible to justice.
“The command is aware of the recent cult-related killings and acts of thuggery that are threatening public peace, with some of them being given political coloration,” the police commissioner said.
He noted that sustained intelligence-led operations had led to the arrest of several suspects linked to the incidents, adding that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
“Through sustained operations, several suspects connected to these incidents have been arrested, and we remain focused on securing lives and property across the state,” he added.
The commissioner said investigations are ongoing and assured that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide useful information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation is essential to sustaining peace and security across Osun State, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.